Age: 41
Based in: Louisville, KY
Instagram: @positivelyparalyzed

A C5 quadriplegic originally from Lawrence, KS, Jerod’s life took an unexpected turn in 2011 when he broke his neck on vacation in Mexico. His passion for fitness ignited while training to handcycle the 2021 New York City Marathon. “This experience fueled my mission to showcase the freedom that fitness can bring to people with disabilities,” he says. He’s now the founder of PositivelyParalyzed LLC, a platform that has reached over 20 million people through social media to champion inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities. “Whether it’s through leading handcycling classes, developing new adaptive workout programs, or mentoring others in the fitness industry, my ultimate goal is to empower people to embrace their strength, resilience, and potential,” he says. “I want to leave a legacy where fitness is recognized as a right, not a privilege, for everyone.”