Oct 3, 2023
Elle Russ chats with
Wesley Hamilton. Wesley had a challenging beginning in Kansas City,
Missouri, and then created an extraordinary life story of
resilience and transformation. Following a traumatic incident at 24
that resulted in him being paralyzed below the waist, Wesley
channeled his adversity into a personal revolution, focusing on
fitness and nutrition, and astonishingly losing 100 pounds despite
his physical limitations.
This journey of transformation inspired him to establish Disabled
But Not Really (DBNR), a nonprofit organization that empowers
individuals with disabilities to claim their independence through
different wellness models. An expert motivational speaker, Wes
explores themes of adversity, disruption, inclusivity, and
intersectionality, helping institutions forward their dialogue
around DEI
Beyond his recognition in the CrossFit community and feature on
Netflix's "Queer Eye," Wes's outstanding contributions were
acknowledged on a global stage when he was named a 2021 CNN Hero.
The same year, he was recognized as a 2021 Craig H Neilson
Foundation Visionary, an accolade that came with a $1 million
award. Firmly believing in the power of inspiration, Wes sees his
purpose as inspiring others, demonstrating that limitations can
become opportunities for resilience and growth.
SELECTED LINKS: