"No matter what we navigate, adversities or joys alike, there are elements of who we are that are innate. I don't think they change just because circumstances change. I actually don't think we change at all. We just evolve."
Mallory Weggemann was just 18 years old when a series of routine epidural injections for back pain left her with no movement from the waist down. Now, 17 years later, Mallory is a gold medal paralympian; an author, filmmaker and motivational speaker; and a fierce advocate for the disability community.
In 2021, Mallory released her memoir LIMITLESS to share her journey and to empower others to overcome life's obstacles. And last year, Mallory and her husband released Watershed, a powerful documentary about her life story, including the couple's struggles with infertility. On top of that, Mallory brought home gold and silver medals from the Paralympic Games in Paris, making her a seven time medalist.
During this conversation, Mallory and I discuss how she fell in love with the sport of swimming, what helped her navigate the trauma of becoming paralyzed, and the kinds of conversations she hopes to spark about disability in the world. Mallory’s drive and determination to achieve the seemingly impossible, her advocacy on behalf of others, and her refusal to give up even when things seem insurmountable make Mallory Weggemann a Firestarter.
To read more inspiring stories from Firestarters like Mallory, preorder my book “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age” at firedupbook.com.
My new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, is available for preorder! Out in June 2025, Fired Up will give you the formula for finding your unique spark and show you how to use it to start fires in your life. By preordering, you can enroll for FREE in Firestarter University, a year-long online program that includes live monthly workshops, workbooks and resources, accountability check-ins, and a community to help you succeed.
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