A Fearless Life with Zach Stinson

Intrinsic Drive®

Stepping on a bomb was the last thing Sargent Zach Stinson remembered after insisting on leading his Marine Battalion while serving in Afghanistan. Six days later, Zach woke up at the Bethesda Navy Hospital - both legs were amputated above the knee, his right thumb, and parts of other fingers were also severed. Zach stopped counting surgeries after the thirty-fifth. He then came to realize his attitude and mindset were the only things in his control, the rest was in God’s hands. After two grueling years of rehabilitation, he returned home.

An eighth-place finish in his first Marine Corps Marathon without serious training showed Zach’s tremendous talent. Fast forward to a birthday challenge where he won his first Ironman in Lake Placid in 2019. This Chambersburg Pennsylvania native began to devour Marathons, and Paratriathlons—leaving the competition in his wake. Zach is the 2021 Paratriathlon National Champion; 2021 World Cup Triathlon Para Cup Champion contested in Alhandra, Portugal; and the 2021 Boston Marathon Handcycling Champion. It was an honor to host this fearless competitor on this episode of Intrinsic Drive ® .

We encourage those who would like to support Zach in his quest to represent team USA at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris to visit his website. This inspirational athlete is grateful for the continued support of the Semper Fi & America’s Fund.
Intrinsic Drive ® is produced by Ellen Strickler and Phil Wharton. Special thanks to Andrew Hollingworth, our sound engineer and technical editor. For more information on this and other episodes visit us at www.whartonhealth.com/intrinsicdrive.