Episode 4: Brandon Lyons

Meet Paralympic Hopeful Brandon Lyons. The accomplished para cyclist walks Sasha through the tragic accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down while on vacation with friends. Brandon explains how fostering his positive attitude and goal setting ultimately led him to hand cycling and the Paralympic movement. Brandon is on track to qualify for his first Paralympic Games this summer in Tokyo.

Show Notes

Show Notes 

·      :41 – Life changing accident while on vacation with friends 

·      6:40 – Processing and interpreting the accidental circumstances the lead to his accident 

·      10:47 – Learning to accept his life circumstances and move forward with a positive attitude 

·      14:15 – Mom’s influence on his life and positive mindset 

·      16:39 – The role of goal setting in recovery 

·      23:33 – Explaining hand cycling and daily training 

·      27:27 – Balancing full time job with Paralympic training 

·      30:19 – Training amid COVID-19, handling the postponement 

·      36:43 – A Paralympian’s journey VS an Olympian’s journey to the Games

·      41:02 – Meeting with USOPC CEO and Operation Gold 

·      44:22 – Awareness and Education of the Paralympic movement 

·      45:55 – Role of sports in his life and finding his purpose 

·      48:46 -  How his passion drives him to find his potential 

·      50:38 – Olympic or Paralympic moment in life 

What is Sasha Sessions: A Team USA Podcast?

Exceptional individuals share the stories that shaped them, how they define identity, and the motivations, habits, and opportunities that led to personal reinvention. Guests feature athletes from all sports and backgrounds, whose accomplishments inspire millions on the Olympic & Paralympic stage, and people outside of sports, whose work has challenged how we think about the world today.