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

  • Emmy Award-winning journalist and Global PAD Association co-founder Kym McNicholas

October 28th, 2025|

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects millions worldwide — yet most people don’t recognize the warning signs until it’s too late. In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Emmy Award-winning journalist and Global PAD Association co-founder Kym McNicholas to explain what PAD is, how it causes poor circulation, and why early detection is critical in preventing amputation. Kym shares her inspiring journey from covering a medical story to becoming one of the leading advocates for PAD awareness and patient empowerment. She sheds light on how education, proper diagnosis, and access to the right care can literally save limbs — and lives.

  • Global PAD Association founder Kym McNicholas preview episode

October 23rd, 2025|

In Part 1 of this special episode, host Mike Bolland sits down with Emmy Award–winning journalist and Global PAD Association founder Kym McNicholas for an impromptu, post-interview discussion that turned into an insightful recording. What started as a quick chat evolved into a powerful conversation about Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), early detection, and Kym’s mission to raise global awareness and prevent unnecessary amputations.

  • From Septic Shock to Strength: The Inspiring Journey of Amputee Advocate Karlene Martinez

October 21st, 2025|

After a life-threatening illness led to multiple amputations, Karlene Martinez refused to give up. In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland talks with Karlene about her incredible path from septic shock and paralysis to recovery, faith, and advocacy. Karlene opens up about: 💪 Her battle with sepsis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and months of rehabilitation 🦿 Adjusting to life with prosthetics and finding the right fit ❤️ Overcoming anxiety and depression through faith and gratitude 🌟 Empower Fest, Ability360, and finding inspiration in the adaptive community 👣 The importance of peer support through groups like Encompass Health and community ambassadors Karlene’s story is one of resilience, faith, and limitless determination—a reminder that even after life-changing loss, there’s always a way forward.

By |2025-10-14T06:00:50-07:00October 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