More Than Medals

Meet Howie Sanborn—Paralympian, retired U.S. Army Airborne Ranger, and former Golden Knight with the Army Parachute Team. After a cycling accident in 2012 left him paralyzed, Howie refused to slow down. He turned his focus to paratriathlon, and in 2024, earned his spot on Team USA for the Paris Paralympic Games. In this episode, Howie talks about channeling his military mindset into sport, the mental toughness it takes to compete at the elite level, and the crash in Paris that tested him mid-race—but couldn’t stop him.

Meet Trinity Lowthian, Canadian wheelchair fencer and a rising Paralympic star. Trinity discovered wheelchair after battling an autoimmune autonomic neuropathy through most of her high school years. Now balancing elite sport, university studies in nutrition and food science, and advocacy, Trinity uses her platform to expand accessibility and representation through initiatives like TRYumph Gymnastics Academy’s wheelchair fencing program.

Meet Shelby Newkirk—Paralympic swimming medallist, entrepreneur and passionate advocate for the disability community. Diagnosed with dystonia in her teens, Shelby lives with a progressive neurological condition that continues to impact her mobility and daily life.Shelby shares what it’s like to compete at the highest level while living with a progressive disability—and how she’s turned that challenge into fuel for both performance and advocacy. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and using her voice to push for greater inclusion in and out of the pool. 

Meet Hailey Danz—Paralympic champion, cancer survivor, and all-around amazing human being. At just 14 years old, Hailey faced an unthinkable decision: attempt limb salvage surgery or choose amputation. It was time spent at a camp for kids with disabilities that gave her the clarity and confidence to choose her own path. Leanne and Hailey explore Hailey’s experience of growing up with a disability, her journey to finding paratriathlon and becoming a world-class paratriathlete, and the emotional toll of high performance, identity, and body image. 

Leanne Taylor welcomes Austin Smeenk, a world-class T34 wheelchair racer from Oakville, Ontario and three-time Paralympian and three-time Paralympic medalist. In their conversation, Austin dives into his early start in adaptive sports, the mental and physical grind behind his podium finishes and world records, and the unexpected—and often hilarious—challenges of dating with a disability. This episode delivers a refreshingly honest and upbeat look from a guy who’s loud, hilarious, and unapologetically himself 

Jessica Tuomela sits down with host Leanne Taylor to share what it was like growing up with a visual impairment after losing her vision to retinoblastoma at age 3. Jessica reflects on the unique challenges and experiences she faced as a child, how those early years shaped her, and what daily life is like navigating the world as an adult without sight. Together, Jessica and Leanne have an honest and open conversation about adapting, finding independence, and how their experiences have shaped who they are today both inside and outside of sport.