A year ago almost to the day professional Red Bull adventure athlete, 9 time Red Bull-Alps competitor, brainchild of “The Search” projects, professional speaker, loving father and husband Tom De Dorlodot was learning how to kite-ski in Norway for a future planned expedition across the length of Greenland when things went horribly, horribly wrong. This wasn’t Tom’s first major injury, but this one has forced Tom into some scary places both mentally and physically. Tom’s year has been a blur of darkness and light: nine major surgeries, months of antibiotics, at times a real risk of losing his leg pulling against optimism, hope, love of family and beautiful lessons. In this conversation we explore themes of resilience, recovery, and the mental health struggles that accompany physical setbacks. Tom shares insights into his accident, the lengthy recovery process, and how he has managed to stay positive despite the difficulties he’s faced. Tom shares the importance of support systems, the paragliding community, and mental coaching. He discusses the emotional impact the injury has had on his family, the lessons learned from adversity, and how he navigates risk in his athletic career. Tom reflects on his future aspirations, including competing in his 10th Red Bull X-Alps this June, and the shift in his approach to life and sports as he nears 40. Tom and Gavin explore the themes of risk management, life phases, and the importance of gratitude in the context of adventure sports. They discuss the often difficult and opaque balance between pursuing passions and the responsibilities of parenting, emphasizing the need for a shift in perspective towards enjoying life and nature. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the younger generation in a digital age and the importance of inspiring them to explore the world beyond screens. Ultimately, they advocate for redefining success in adventure sports, focusing on enjoyment and community rather than competition and ego.

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Takeaways

Tom expresses gratitude for reconnecting with the paragliding community after a challenging year.
The X-Alps race presents unique challenges that require quick decision-making and adaptability.
Tom emphasizes the importance of taking calculated risks in adventure sports.
Recovery from injury is a long and arduous process, often filled with setbacks.
Mental health plays a crucial role in the recovery journey, with ups and downs along the way.
Tom’s accident highlights the importance of listening to one’s intuition in risky situations.
The conversation reflects on the camaraderie and support within the paragliding community.
Tom’s experience with painkillers during recovery sheds light on the challenges of managing pain and addiction.
The discussion touches on the significance of family support during tough times.
Tom’s journey illustrates the power of resilience and the potential for personal growth after adversity. Support from family and partners is crucial during recovery.
Facing the possibility of amputation can lead to a new perspective on life.
Injuries affect not just the individual but their loved ones as well.
Resilience is key in overcoming challenges and setbacks.
Mental coaching can provide valuable insights during tough times.
Every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and learning.
It’s important to listen to one’s intuition in high-risk situations.
Life doesn’t stop for anyone; taking time for oneself is essential.
Health issues can shift priorities and perspectives on life.
Sharing knowledge and experiences can help guide the next generation. Life is about embracing risk while being responsible.
Gratitude is essential in navigating different life phases.
Adventure can be enjoyed without extreme risks.
It’s important to maintain a balance between passion and life.
Parenting influences our perspectives on adventure.
Nature and exploration are vital for children’s development.
We have a responsibility to inspire the next generation.
Success in adventure sports should be redefined to focus on enjoyment.
Ego can hinder the true spirit of adventure.
Life is fleeting, and we should make the most of it.

Sound Bites

“I was coming back to life.”
“I think it really helped.”
“I have zero muscles in there.”
“It was a nightmare.”
“I got infected.”
“I was a junkie, I really was.”
“I have a beautiful family.”
“I was prepared. I was there.”
“We have zero control in this.”
“It becomes everyone’s problem.”
“You have to think positively.”
“It is an opportunity today.”
“We can take it differently.”
“I will go back into paragliding.”
“It’s all about being grateful.”
“After the rain comes the sun.”

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Past Year
02:57 The Thrills and Challenges of the X-Alps
05:47 Navigating Risks and Strategies in Paragliding
09:08 Injury and Recovery: A Personal Journey
12:01 The Impact of Setbacks on Perspective and Growth
14:51 The Accident: A Life-Altering Experience
17:50 The Struggles of Recovery and Mental Health
21:08 Finding Strength in Adversity
23:05 Support Systems in Recovery
24:31 Facing Amputation: A Turning Point
26:31 Family Dynamics and Emotional Impact
30:44 Resilience and Mental Coaching
34:30 Lessons from Adversity
39:53 Navigating Risk and Responsibility
45:05 Future Aspirations and Career Shifts
52:56 Embracing Risk and Responsibility
54:52 Life Phases and Gratitude
56:19 Shifting Perspectives on Adventure
01:00:43 Balancing Passion and Life
01:02:38 The Role of Parenting in Adventure
01:06:12 Navigating Modern Challenges for Kids
01:10:48 The Importance of Nature and Exploration
01:12:46 Inspiring the Next Generation
01:14:15 Redefining Success in Adventure Sports
01:17:01 Finding Joy Beyond Competition