Finding Joy in the Experience with Endurance Athlete, André Kajlich

Our hosts, Erik, Jeff, and Dave, spoke with André, the other week during his training for his newest endeavor: to  explore human potential as him and his team cross continents - from the lowest point to highest summit, starting with South America.

But André's story began in 2003 when, as a 23 year old student in Prague, he wound up on the tracks in front of an oncoming subway train. 

His injuries required both of his legs to be amputated above the knee. After his recovery he still returned to Prague to resume his studies, but it was a long road to recovery - both physically and emotionally. He wrestled with his inner demons and the choices he made that had led him to be in this situation. 

He speaks in depth about the mindset and steps it took to bring him to where is today in his athletic achievements. 

André’s journey taught him that he is always capable of more. In 2010 he became an ultra endurance pioneer, a Team USA Paratriethlete, an Ironman World Champion, and the only wheelchair athlete to finish an Ultraman Triathlon. 

Then, in 2017, he finished the Race Across America, hand-cycling 3,100 miles in just 12 days, sleeping 90 minutes a night to make it from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis, Maryland. Now, despite his tragic accident, André is a renowned speaker and incredible athlete breaking world records. 

Now, along with his teammates, he is setting off for Southern Patagonia at Laguna del Carbón, the lowest point in the western and southern hemispheres to ride 1,800 miles over gravel, road, and mountain passes to Aconcagua National park. They will trek in and climb up the 22,841 ft. peak, the highest summit outside of the Himalaya.

Follow his South American journey on Instagram: @LowestHighest 

Learn more about André and his past and current adventures here.

Check out the trailer for his upcoming film, Joyrider, here.