From Speech Impediment to Success: A Coach's Transformative Journey
Discover how Desmond Dunham transformed from a young boy with dyslexia and a speech impediment into a renowned coach and youth sports expert. Growing up in Gary, Indiana, Desmond found his calling through high school cross-country, guided by mentor Coach Roosevelt "Chief" Pulliam. His journey took him from Howard University to becoming an Under Armour ambassador and influential youth sports leader.
In this powerful episode, Desmond shares his remarkable experiences, including a life-changing visit to South Africa's Soweto townships that reshaped his perspective on leadership and life's priorities. He addresses the trend of 70% of youth athletes quitting sports by age 13 and advocates for a more balanced approach to youth sports development.
Through his organization, Kids Elite Sports, Desmond promotes a philosophy that emphasizes personal growth, leadership, and life lessons over mere athletic achievement. His story, detailed in "Running Against the Odds," demonstrates how adversity can become a stepping stone to success.
🎧 Listen to this inspiring episode to learn how one man's dedication to youth development changes lives and reshapes the future of youth sports.
CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - From Rejection to Running History
00:01:36 - Overcoming Odds with a Father Figure
00:05:51 - Mother's Sacrifices and Father's Struggles: A Journey to Howard University
00:08:45 - From Research to Coaching: A Transformative Journey
00:11:28 - Inspiring Youthful Appearance
00:12:26 - From Doctor to Youth Coach: Discovering a Passion
00:15:50 - Overcoming Adversity: A Runner's Perseverance
00:20:09 - Experiencing Apartheid's Impact: A Spiritual Journey
00:24:31 - Selfless Leadership: Putting Others First
00:26:27 - Prioritizing Youth Development Over Specialization
00:29:07 - More Than a Ribbon
00:30:53 - Lessons from a Ribbon
00:32:31 - Embracing Failure: A Life-Changing Ribbon
00:34:24 - Bringing Running Against the Odds to the Big Screen
00:35:53 - Running Against the Odds: A Life Lesson