This past weekend we were afforded the opportunity of meeting legendary track and cross-country coach John Mcdonnell at Go! Running in Little Rock. On the heals of that great event, Go! Running is offering local athletes a chance to meet another inspirational Arkansas sports figure, Jeff Glasbrenner. Jeff is a 3-time ParaOlympian and 20-time Ironman athlete despite losing his right leg below the knee when he was 8-years old. He will be signing copies of his book, The Gift of a Day for those looking to be inspired on Saturday, March 30th from noon until 4 pm at the store, 1819 N Grant St. in Little Rock. Below is a synopsis of the book from his website.
Some of life’s most treasured gifts at first may seem like nothing short of bad luck. Just ask professional athlete Jeff Glasbrenner, the author of the inspiring new memoir, The Gift of a Day. At the young age of eight years old, fate threw him an unexpected curve when a farm accident suddenly left him as an amputee. And, what’s even more surprising about this traumatic event is that the author counts that fateful day as one of the most blessed days of all his years.
Now a widely acclaimed motivational public speaker, Glasbrenner shares his journey from injured farm boy to wheelchair basketball Paralympic and triathlete. Spanning athletics, family history, and more, The Gift of a Day outlines twelve days that he chose to view as gifts rather than low points. Starting with a childhood accident that took his leg, recalling the frustration, shame, and defeat that followed the event. From there, he shares his mother’s courage in refusing to fetch him a Coke; his college introduction to wheelchair basketball; his move to Spain; his despair of having not finished the Ironman triathlon in Kentucky and meeting his wife. Through fatherhood, triathlons, illnesses, and the loss of loved ones, the book demonstrates how the darkest days emerged to strengthen his resolve, and deepen his character.
In the end, these attributes resulted in his becoming a Wheelchair Basketball World Champion, a three-time Paralympian, Paralympic Games Bronze Medalist, and winner of multiple Ironman competitions competing as a physically challenged athlete. Written to remind all of us that we have a choice to take the gifts that are given to every day of our lives, The Gift of a Day enables anyone to learn to recognize them as the gifts they are and to embrace them. It’s a must for anyone who can benefit from the author’s proven belief that, with the right perspective and commitment, life’s events can manifest in extraordinary, meaningful ways.
We hope to see you there, get a book for yourself or someone who could use a little inspiration. All photos from this article were taken at Tri The Village Triathlon last Spring in Hot Springs Village.
