Roderick Sewell's "Iron Will"

About This Event

Boulder Bookstore welcomes athlete and author Roderick Sewell II for an inspiring evening celebrating Iron Will: An Amputee’s Journey to Athletic Excellence on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Born without the tibia in both legs, Roderick’s remarkable journey from homelessness to athletic excellence embodies resilience, determination, and the power of a mother’s unwavering love. This powerful memoir chronicles how Marian Sewell made the difficult decision to have her son’s legs amputated before age two, later sacrificing her job to secure prosthetics through California Children’s Services. Despite living in shelters, Roderick trained at the YMCA and discovered his passion for sports. When coaches from the Challenged Athletes Foundation gave him running legs, his life transformed. Join us for an evening of inspiration as Roderick shares his story of conquering fears, building confidence as a Black athlete with a disability, and proving that a winner’s mindset transcends physical and mental endurance. This Boulder author talk celebrates the unique places we find love and the rewards of facing our fears head-on.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
• Time: 6:30 PM MST
• Location: Boulder Bookstore, 1107 Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302
• Format: Author talk and book signing
• Tickets: $5 (includes $5 coupon for book or event-day purchase)
• Venue: Second floor (contact [email protected] for accessibility accommodations)
• Refund Policy: Refunds available up to 1 day before event

About the Book: Iron Will: An Amputee’s Journey to Athletic Excellence tells the remarkable story of:

• Overcoming double leg amputation
• Rising from homelessness to athletic success
• A mother’s sacrifices and unconditional love
• Finding identity as a Black athlete with a disability
• Building confidence through sports
• The Challenged Athletes Foundation’s impact
• Discovering passion despite adversity
• Gratitude, patience, and resilience

Author Background: Roderick Sewell II was born without tibias in both legs and underwent bilateral amputation before age two. Despite facing homelessness with his mother Marian, he trained at the YMCA and developed into a fierce competitor. The Challenged Athletes Foundation provided his running legs, launching his athletic career. His story demonstrates that true excellence comes from spirit, determination, and the love that carries us through impossible challenges.

Why Attend:

• Hear firsthand from an inspiring athlete and author
• Learn about overcoming adversity and disability
• Discover the role of adaptive sports in transformation
• Meet Roderick Sewell and get books signed
• Support disability advocacy and athletic excellence
• Connect with Boulder’s literary and athletic communities

Book Themes:

• Disability rights and representation
• Athletic achievement and perseverance
• Homelessness and poverty
• Maternal love and sacrifice
• Black identity and sports
• Mental and physical endurance
• Fear and courage
• Gratitude and personal growth

Perfect For:

• Athletes and sports enthusiasts
• Disability advocates and adaptive sports supporters
• Memoir readers
• Those interested in inspirational stories
• Coaches and mentors
• Parents and educators
• Anyone facing challenges

Ticketing Information:

• $5 admission (plus small processing fee)
• Includes $5 coupon toward Iron Will or event-day purchase
• Coupon distributed at event

Book Purchase: Buy Iron Will here

Accessibility:

• Events held on second floor
• Contact [email protected] for reasonable accommodations

Organizer: Boulder Bookstore