Championship Thinking in Sports – I lost my leg but not my passion for leadership, sports and teamwork

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

In 2002, at age 26, guest Brent Rasmussen was a Good Samaritan assisting a stranded motorist when another vehicle crashed into the disabled car, crushing both his legs between the two vehicles and necessitating the eventual removal of one leg. Rasmussen had had an outstanding sports career before the accident, lettering in baseball and basketball at Ralston and pitching the team to victory in the 1995 Nebraska State High School Baseball Championship. He lettered in baseball four straight years at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, received a try-out for the Kansas City Royals and eventually played one season of semi-pro ball for the Gold Coast Royals. Today Brent still performs at extremely high levels in sports for the physically disabled in softball, volleyball and basketball. His playing and leadership achievements are many. Among them: Most Valuable Player & Best Hitter in ‘03, ’07 & ’08 & ’11 & ’12 National Wheelchair Softball Tournament, Captain, U.S. Sitting Volleyball Team (Team earned Gold Medal at 2009 Para pan American Championship), Founder of numerous teams and tournaments locally and nationally for disabled athletes. Whether one loses a leg, loses their confidence or is feeling down and out, life success, happiness and accomplishment requires the grit, fortitude and mental toughness to bounce back and bounce back strong. Tune in to hear Brent’s advice to do just that.