From Track Star to Bobsled Champion: William Person’s Fight for Mental Health & Athlete Safety

What happens when life takes you in an unexpected direction? For William Person, it meant going from college track and field to becoming an Olympic bobsledder — despite once thinking the sport was “stupid.”

In this compelling episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives deep into Will’s remarkable story — from athletic triumphs to the unseen mental and physical toll of high-impact sports.

Will shares:
An Unexpected Start – How a Canadian team discovered him at ASU and convinced him to try bobsledding—only for him to win a medal in his first week.
The Hidden Dangers – The connection between bobsledding and CTE, the effects of repeated high G-forces, and the lack of medical safeguards for athletes.
Cognitive & Emotional Struggles – How memory lapses, confusion, and the loss of a teammate shaped his journey toward healing.
Advocacy & Recovery – Will’s mission to raise awareness about mental health, his success with oxygen therapy, and his vision to open a treatment facility for athletes and veterans in St. Louis.

This episode goes far beyond sports—it’s a story of resilience, healing, and the fight for athlete safety.

👉 Tune in to hear how William turned pain into purpose, and why his advocacy could change the future of mental health in athletics.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • The Triple A’s for Amputees: Mike Bolland’s Approach to Healing and Growth

June 19th, 2025|

In this powerful episode, We’re Not Stumped host Mike Bolland introduces his personal “Triple A” philosophy—Alone, Advocacy, and Attitude—designed to support fellow amputees on their physical and emotional journey. Mike, who was born without a right hand and is a cancer survivor, explains how feeling alone is often the first stage after limb loss—but it doesn't have to be the final one. Through advocacy, both for yourself and others, and a resilient attitude, amputees can reclaim purpose, confidence, and joy. Whether you're newly navigating life after limb loss or supporting someone who is, Mike’s Triple A approach offers insight, comfort, and strength.

  • Ryan Wilson of Team Trust Productions

June 17th, 2025|

In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland chats with Ryan Wilson—founder of Team Trust Productions—for a conversation about how adaptive athletes are using the power of media to change the narrative around disability. Ryan shares his journey from discovering adaptive sports at the University of Illinois to launching a creative agency that centers disabled voices through authentic storytelling and inclusive marketing. He opens up about the challenges of building a business as a wheelchair user, the impact of his Disability Marketing Guide, and why empathy and representation are key to reshaping public perception. You’ll hear how Team Trust Productions is growing, how Ryan balances entrepreneurship with health, and why he believes adaptive athletes should be recognized not for their struggles, but for their strength, skill, and spirit.

  • Adam Sivia Mission Gait

June 12th, 2025|

In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland shares two powerful stories of resilience, recovery, and the human spirit: 🏅 A Double Amputee’s Olympic Journey After surviving a devastating accident, this athlete didn’t give up—he set his sights on the Paralympic Games. Learn how he turned trauma into purpose, using adaptive training and relentless determination to pursue a spot on Team USA. 🦿 Mission Gait: Advancing Gait Rehabilitation Worldwide Meet the people behind Mission Gait, a nonprofit transforming the way physical therapists treat patients with complex walking challenges. From educational programs to international outreach, Mission Gait is creating a global movement for mobility. 🎧 Whether you're part of the limb loss community or just need a boost of hope, this episode shows what's possible when we move forward with purpose.

By |October 14th, 2025|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on From Track Star to Bobsled Champion: William Person’s Fight for Mental Health & Athlete Safety

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top