In this episode, Mat Hotho sits down with Brandon Mantz, a seated athlete who secured a third-place podium finish at the CrossFit Games for four consecutive years. Brandon shares the story of his "pivot point" in December 2018, when a skiing accident in Breckenridge resulted in a T6 spinal cord injury and three liters of internal bleeding. Following his recovery at Craig Hospital, Brandon discovered CrossFit Watchtower through the influence of Kevin Ogar, where he regained his independence by mastering essential skills like the floor transfer.

The conversation also covers Brandon's recent invitation to a US Para Track and Field talent identification camp, where he explored competitive throwing and learned about the complexities of para-sport classification. Beyond elite competition, Brandon discusses his passion for accessible adventure sports, such as handcycle mountain biking and Nordic skiing, which allow him to remain active alongside his wife and friends. Finally, he explains the personal mantra that guides his life: Love, Generosity, Adventure, and Joy.

Follow Brandon on Instagram: @brandon.mantz

Watch Roderick (@memesfortime) run Brandon through a crowd of confused CrossFitters.

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Follow the podcast on Instagram: @TheAdaptiveAthletePod