Brian 'Big Country' Conwell: From Soldier to Sports Hero
You gotta have that discipline for yourself, man, to make a change in your body, and trust me, I've done this more than once in my life.
Imagine playing sports your whole life, only to trade a scholarship for a chance to serve your country. That's exactly what Brian 'Big Country' Conwell did. Born in South Carolina, Brian grew up alongside basketball star Kevin Garnett but chose the military over a four-year sports scholarship. His dedication took him on a decade-long journey in the United States Army, including a deployment in November 2008 that changed his life forever.
While on a mission to support his fellow soldiers, Brian hit black ice and crashed, resulting in the loss of his leg. This accident led to his medical retirement from the military. Returning home, Brian faced a new battle—depression and suicidal thoughts, compounded by significant weight gain. But Brian's story doesn't end there. With incredible resilience, he transformed his life, shedding over 120 pounds and finding a new passion in athletics. Now, Brian is not just surviving; he's thriving.
Sponsored by Planet Fitness, he's training for the National Wheelchair Games and aiming for a spot on the 2024 Paralympics team. He's also giving back to his community by coaching little league basketball and setting up a wheelchair basketball team at his local YMCA. Tune in to hear Brian's incredible journey of overcoming adversity and finding purpose through sports. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the human spirit.