We're Not Stumped Limb Loss Support

Things I Didn’t Expect About Returning to Bowling After 30 Years

After more than 30 years away from competitive bowling, I’m discovering that some things have changed—and some things haven’t.

In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, I share three things that surprised me as I prepare for my return to competition at the 2026 PBA60 World Championship.

  •  The body doesn’t work quite the same at 61.
  •  Some instincts and memories never really leave.
  •  And one unexpected encounter reminded me that people still remember my days on the PBA Tour.

This episode isn’t about scores or equipment. It’s about rediscovering a part of my life I thought was behind me and finding out what’s still possible when you decide to take one more run.

As the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour, I hope this conversation encourages you to revisit a dream, try something again, or simply remember that it’s never too late to surprise yourself.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

September 5th, 2024|

Join congenital right hand amputee host Mike Bolland in this episode of "We're Not Stumped," where we dive into three incredible stories of amputees who have defied the odds and achieved remarkable feats: The First Female Double Amputee to Earn a Colorado CDL, 12-Year-Old's Journey After 30 Surgeries and A Race Champion’s New Journey.

Read More

September 3rd, 2024|

In this remarkable episode of "We're Not Stumped," host Mike Bolland sits down with Chris and Kim Casteel, the visionary owners of Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics. Chris, an amputee himself, lost his left leg in a motorcycle accident, turning his personal tragedy into a mission to help others.

Read More

August 29th, 2024|

In this episode: Lively Limbs Amputee Support Group in Mesa Celebrates 22 Years, Against All Odds: Baker County's Jay Wilson Thrives as Double Amputee Firefighter and Business Owner and Dream Home in 10 Days: Ground Broken on a Home for Quadruple Amputee. Tune in to "We're Not Stumped" for inspiring stories of triumph, support, and innovation in the limb difference community. Don't miss an episode—subscribe now!

Read More
By |June 4th, 2026|Congenital Amputee Stories, General Disability Related Resources and News, Upper Limb Amputees|Comments Off on Things I Didn’t Expect About Returning to Bowling After 30 Years

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

FacebookXRedditLinkedInWhatsAppTumblrPinterestVkEmail

Related Posts

Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss | Lynn Jensen
What the TV Stories Didn’t Show | The Real Reason Behind My PBA Comeback
Rachel Kubicki: How the Hanger Foundation Empowers People to Live Without Limits
From Vision Loss to Inspiration | Helen Keller Achievement Award Recipient Kathy Nimmer
The Top 3 Questions About Mike Bolland’s Bowling Comeback

Find Us On

Mike Bolland PBA Bound!

What happens when you step back into something you once loved… years later? In this special episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland shares the story behind his bowling comeback — from becoming the first person with limb loss to compete on the PBA Tour to stepping back onto the lanes with a renewed sense of purpose. But this story is about more than bowling. It’s about rediscovering confidence, overcoming fear, finding purpose again, and proving that it’s never too late to chase something meaningful. Whether you’re facing adversity, starting over, or trying to reconnect with something you once loved, this episode is a reminder that your story is still being written.

I Hate to Break It to Woody Harrelson… but I Was the Original Kingpin.

Before the movie Kingpin ever hit theaters, I was already bowling professionally with one hand as the first amputee to compete on the PBA Tour.

Now decades later, at 61 years old, I’m making a comeback. This video is a fun look at the similarities between my story and the iconic movie — except this one’s real.

From bowling with one hand… to stepping back onto the lanes for the PBA60 World Championship… this comeback is about proving it’s never too late to chase something meaningful again.

And yes… I’m still trying to avoid the gutter balls and my hook flying off!.

 

Copyright 2026 We’re not Stumped, One Hand Man Productions and Mike Bolland
Go to Top