On this episode we speak to the inspiration that is David Smith MBE. Without chatting to David, you'll likely know him as an athlete and for his triumphant gold medal win at the London 2012 Paralympic games in para - rowing. Chat or listen to him and you'll quickly learn he is so much more. David's story is massively influenced by his life changing health challenges. In 2009, in a routine check, a tumour was discovered growing in David's spinal cord.

At the point of recording David has went through 7 spinal surgeries. He was forced to retire from competitive sport in 2016 when he was paralysed from the neck down during surgery. He has faced death more than most human beings and experienced massive physical and mental changes to who he was once as an athlete. On numerous occasions he could've thrown towel in, but David finds himself in round 14 of the fight and going nowhere.

On this episode David shares various experiences and skills that reveal how he has coped with his challenges. This includes seeking support in the form of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and living this in his day - to - day life. It involves drawing on psychological skills taught from sport (e.g. resilience, discipline) and importantly surrounding himself with the people that matter most to him. On a rollercoaster of a journey, David now finds himself on the Young Player Wellbeing Podcast - inspiring us and hopefully all of our listeners.

Thank you David.

David's details below. Please connect with him!

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-smith-mbe-108a0719/

Talking Points

1. Intro and welcome to episode (00:00)

2. David's unique intro (4:38)

3. David's journey in sport (11:46)

4. Emergency surgery and it's impact (26:09)

5. Sport as an escape (46:47)

6. A conveyor belt of athletes (58:53)

7. Closing thoughts (1:19:12)