Since the age of 4, Tyson McClanahanon’s life was geared toward a love of sports. As opposed to listing the many sports he played, it would probably be more accurate to list the sports he didn’t play. Not surprisingly, he was an active, popular high schooler and — of course — a supercharged athlete, playing just about every sport there was. But then, at the shockingly young age of 17, his health and “normal” life were taken from him. An undetected brain clot triggered a stroke that plunged him into a near-death experience.
After life-saving surgery, McClanahanon was in a coma for three months, tethered to a life-support system, unable to talk or eat without a feeding tube. After six months in the hospital, he was allowed to go home, so incapacitated that he was unable to perform simple tasks like rolling over. Three years of intensive physical rehab followed. He learned to use a walker with wheels and slowly began to regain some balance and coordination. These grave health issues would be devastating, of course, for anyone. At his young age, what had happened was unthinkable. In essence, he needed to reconstitute his entire life. McClanahanon, though, was not to be defeated — not by a long shot.
“I didn’t have the luxury to pine,” he recounted. He enrolled in Middle Tennessee State University and thrived, serving as student government senator, chartering a new fraternity, as well as stints as the fraternity’s social chairman and treasurer. He made it into the National Honor Society and graduated with a degree in psychology. If this was not accomplishment enough, he eventually went on to earn a master’s degree in psychology from Tennessee Tech University.

“There’s just no ‘can’t’ in me,” McClanahanon says. “I just don’t quit.”
That is an understatement. He has also written a book, “Finishing the Race,” about his difficult and complicated journey. In 2002, he entered the Hi-Tec Adventure Race, held in Atlanta, becoming the first U.S. athlete with disabilities to enter and compete. The race called for a 6-mile run and a 6-mile bicycle race through the mountains, a 1 ½-mile kayak race, and five obstacle courses.
McClanahanon also became a dedicated bodybuilder, devoting hours and hours of intensive training every day. He still trains avidly, including a regimen of — believe it or not — drinking water from a bottle with jalapenos. He began competitive bodybuilding and won a spot on the national Paralympic team, and then went on to accumulate lots of trophies, medals, and the coveted “Mr. Europe” title. The bodybuilding led to a deeper role as a trainer. Not surprisingly for such a generous spirit, his motivational strategy includes lots in the way of encouragement.
For McClanahanon, outreach seems like second nature. He has done talks in churches, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, and many other places.
“I basically talk about,” he said, “how my faith has really pushed me along and given me that ‘don’t say no, don’t quit’ attitude.”

He continues to work out, gives motivational talks, and takes time to ride his new motorcycle. The physical tests and challenges that he has endured have catalyzed his desire to assist others who need encouragement and inspiration. His goal is simply to elevate the heart and spirit.
It is easy to simply recite affirmations or slogans about never giving up. To Tyson McClanahanon, these are concepts and words he puts into practice — every day. “Quit,” to him, is a four-letter word. He has exceeded expectations over and over and pushed himself to achievements that are mind-boggling.
“I still believe anything is possible,” he concluded. “The sky’s the limit!” And for McClanahanon, the sky is the limit. He is a walking example of what the human spirit can accomplish. GN