Paralysis, Perseverance, and Possibility: How Adam Gorlitsky Achieved the Impossible | EP7

Paralysis, Perseverance, and Possibility: How Adam Gorlitsky Achieved the Impossible | EP7

Author: Eric Bland September 23, 2024 Duration: 1:05:30

Adam Gorlitsky is a pioneer in the world of adaptive athletics and the founder of I GOT LEGS, a non-profit organization dedicated to ReEnabling individuals with spinal cord injuries. On December 30, 2005, Adam was involved in a catastrophic car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors believed he would never walk again. However, a decade later, Adam defied the odds and became the first paralyzed man to walk the Cooper River Bridge Run using a ReWalk robotic exoskeleton.

Since his groundbreaking achievement in 2016, Adam has participated in over 50 road races, including breaking a Guinness World Record for exoskeleton marathon walking. His journey from paralysis to becoming a beacon of hope for others with spinal cord injuries is a testament to human resilience and the power of innovative technology.

Show Notes

  • Adam's life-changing accident and initial prognosis
  • Introduction to the ReWalk robotic exoskeleton in 2015
  • The birth of I GOT LEGS and its evolution from a personal fundraising effort to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  • Adam's first major achievement: completing the 2016 Cooper River Bridge Run
  • The mission of I GOT LEGS and its impact on the spinal cord injury community
  • Adam's remarkable athletic achievements, including his Guinness World Record
  • The concept of being "ReEnabled" and how it differs from traditional notions of disability and ability
  • The future of adaptive technology and its potential to transform lives

Adam's Stats

  • Date of car accident: December 30, 2005
  • Type of injury: Spinal Cord Injury, complete T-9
  • Date of ReEnablement: December 30, 2015
  • Assistive device: ReWalk Robotic Exoskeleton
  • Total steps taken: 2 million and counting
  • Total races walked: 51
  • Career highlights:
  • 2016 Cooper River Bridge Run
  • 2018 Portlandathon
  • 2020 Charleston Marathon
  • Guinness World Record Holder for Fastest Marathon Distance in a Robotic Walking Device

Follow the show for more and thanks for listening!

________________________

Connect with Adam Gorlitsky

Website https://www.igotlegs.org/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/i_got_legs/

_______________________

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Hosted by award-winning attorney and media personality Eric Bland, Good Skill moves beyond the surface of success stories to examine the deliberate practice and learned competencies that actually build a meaningful career. Eric, known for his work on prominent legal cases, brings that same incisive curiosity to weekly conversations with a diverse range of guests-from entrepreneurs and authors to artists and policy experts. The core premise here is that fortune favors the prepared, and every achievement can be traced back to a set of acquired and refined abilities. In listening, you’ll hear practical insights into how these accomplished individuals developed their unique strengths, navigated setbacks, and applied strategic thinking in their fields. This isn’t about abstract inspiration; it’s a focused exploration of the tangible methods and mental frameworks that lead to real results in business, creative pursuits, and personal growth. Each episode of this podcast feels like a masterclass in deconstructing excellence, offering listeners actionable perspectives on self-improvement through disciplined effort. Tune in for thoughtful dialogue that demystifies the journey toward professional and personal mastery, all grounded in Eric’s engaging and experienced perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 26

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