043: Michael "Dream Chaser" Smith | Above Elbow Amputee | Para Triathlete | US Army Sergeant First Class Retired

In this episode Michael and I talk about his Race Across America  (RAAM) endeavor. (he is the first above-elbow amputee to complete RAAM )

We discuss racial issues in America and overcoming adversity through cooperation and unity with the non-profit he founded Run Bike Swim 4 Equality, where their mission is simple and straight forward: At Swim Bike Run 4 Equality Foundation we strive to increase diversity and inclusion in the sport of triathlon.
https://www.swimbikerun4equality.com/

Michael ask if you wish to contact or follow him on Social media that you do so through his foundation pages on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/569332837056757
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swimbikerun4equality/

Michael "Dreamchaser" Smith's bio:

Michael first joined the military in September 1998. While working as a station commander stationed in Nashville, Tennessee, he was involved in a hit and run accident that left me with an above elbow amputation. Facing medical retirement, Michael made the 12 decision to fight for what he knew he wanted, which was to remain on active duty with the United States Army. 
After a lengthy rehabilitation, Michael fought his way to stay an active duty member despite having lost his arm by completing all physical agility and marksmanship assessments, often outperforming able-bodied soldiers. After a board review, Michael was allowed to remain on active duty, making him the first above-elbow amputee to return to active duty in the United States Army. 
It was during the process of fighting his way back to active duty that Michael discovered endurance sports. He was an athlete before joining the Army, so he was always very physically fit and competitive. Losing his arm, while difficult to process and maneuver, was not going to be something that would keep Michael from continuing to compete. He began with Spartan obstacle races, then moved into cycling and eventually triathlon. 
As an Elite Athlete Team Captain For USAT Ambassadorship Program, Michael is training to land a spot on the 2024 Paris Paralympic Team. Understanding that minorities (specifically black Americans) are underrepresented athletes in the sport of triathlon, Michael founded Swim Bike Run 4 Equality to bring more diversity to the sport. 
Michael is currently retired from the United States Armed Forces. Still, he will continue to pursue his dream of landing a spot on the United States Paralympic Triathlon Team with the assistance of PlayTri DFW and Coach Morgan Hoffman.