Episode #111: Wesley Hamilton

Elle Russ chats with Wesley Hamilton. Wesley had a challenging beginning in Kansas City, Missouri, and then created an extraordinary life story of resilience and transformation. Following a traumatic incident at 24 that resulted in him being paralyzed below the waist, Wesley channeled his adversity into a personal revolution, focusing on fitness and nutrition, and astonishingly losing 100 pounds despite his physical limitations.

This journey of transformation inspired him to establish Disabled But Not Really (DBNR), a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with disabilities to claim their independence through different wellness models. An expert motivational speaker, Wes explores themes of adversity, disruption, inclusivity, and intersectionality, helping institutions forward their dialogue around DEI

Beyond his recognition in the CrossFit community and feature on Netflix's "Queer Eye," Wes's outstanding contributions were acknowledged on a global stage when he was named a 2021 CNN Hero. The same year, he was recognized as a 2021 Craig H Neilson Foundation Visionary, an accolade that came with a $1 million award. Firmly believing in the power of inspiration, Wes sees his purpose as inspiring others, demonstrating that limitations can become opportunities for resilience and growth.

SELECTED LINKS:

https://www.elleruss.com/

https://disabledbutnotreally.org/