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Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
Meet Mallory a Paralympic gold-medalist, world champion swimmer, ESPY winner, and NBC Sports commentator whose extraordinary story will give you the encouragement you need to rise up to meet any challenge you face in life. On January 21, 2008, a routine medical procedure left Mallory paralyzed from her waist down. Less than two years later, Mallory had broken eight world records, and by the 2012 Paralympic Games, she held fifteen world records and thirty-four American records. Two years after that, a devastating fall severely damaged her left arm. But despite all of the hardships that Mallory faced, she was sure about one she refused to give up. After two reconstructive surgeries and extended rehab, she won two gold medals and a silver medal at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships. And even better, she found confidence, independence, and persevering love. She even walked down the aisle on her wedding day against all odds. Mallory's extraordinary resilience and uncompromising commitment to excellence are rooted in her resolve, her faith, and her sheer grit. In Limitless , Mallory shares the lessons she learned by pushing past every obstacle and expectation that stood in her way, teaching you how Mallory's story reminds us that we can handle whatever challenges, labels, or difficulties we face in life, and we can do it on our own terms. Because when we refuse to accept every boundary that hems us in--physical, emotional, or societal--we become limitless.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 2, 2021
61 people are currently reading
3656 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
March 5, 2021
"Limitless" is Mallory Weggemann's inspirational biography about losing the ability to use her legs as a high school student and swimming athlete. Over months of relearning how to do even the simplest things, she discovered the Paralympics and quickly went on to break world records. Years later, tragedy striking yet again, she lost function in yet another limb and had to relearn life and compete again. She is an inspirational speaker whose troubles that she has persevered through make some of our own struggles seem minor in comparison.
May 16, 2021
There's so much I liked about this book, and so much I ... had mixed feelings about.
Being published by a Christian publishing division and initially discovered in the "Christian" genre on NetGalley, I had higher expectations of faith content than I felt were really included here. Many times, Mallory's successes were attributed to herself and her support system--certainly crucial components!--but nothing at all attributed to God. We see a handful of references to prayer and a church wedding and quote of 1 Corinthians 13, but also see living together outside marriage and a few other components that gave this moderate-conservative reader pause.
Those concerns aside, I did feel that Mallory's story is incredible and admirable. She is truly a present-day, real-life example of "grit" (see Angela Duckworth's book titled that) or "growth mindset" (see Carol Dweck's book "Mindset"). It was amazing to read how she just kept rising above setback after setback.
Concerns aside, I do recommend the read.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Being published by a Christian publishing division and initially discovered in the "Christian" genre on NetGalley, I had higher expectations of faith content than I felt were really included here. Many times, Mallory's successes were attributed to herself and her support system--certainly crucial components!--but nothing at all attributed to God. We see a handful of references to prayer and a church wedding and quote of 1 Corinthians 13, but also see living together outside marriage and a few other components that gave this moderate-conservative reader pause.
Those concerns aside, I did feel that Mallory's story is incredible and admirable. She is truly a present-day, real-life example of "grit" (see Angela Duckworth's book titled that) or "growth mindset" (see Carol Dweck's book "Mindset"). It was amazing to read how she just kept rising above setback after setback.
Concerns aside, I do recommend the read.
I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 20, 2023
In awe of her 💕 and very touched by her strength, resilience, her courage. I just want to hug her and meet her for a hot chocolate, just to talk.
I was just absorbed into her story right away. She was another whose words helped me on my bad days (highlighted quite a few haha) and made me feel a bit lighter.
I'm more spiritual than religious 🙏 but that didn't matter. She doesn't preach, she just talks about her faith in a wonderful way.
Would recommend:)
I was just absorbed into her story right away. She was another whose words helped me on my bad days (highlighted quite a few haha) and made me feel a bit lighter.
I'm more spiritual than religious 🙏 but that didn't matter. She doesn't preach, she just talks about her faith in a wonderful way.
Would recommend:)
August 31, 2021
“I began to measure victories not by the outcome, but by the investment: Did I give everything I had that day to accomplish my best?”
― Mallory Weggemann, Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
A stunning memoir full of hope and brimming with wise words for anyone in need of remembering that life does go on, suffering is inevitable, joy can always be found, and you always always always have a choice. Healing is not chronological. Keep. On. Going.
“Do we allow our fears to paralyze us, or do we find the courage to lean in and stare them down? Only when we face our fears head-on, do we find out what is possible beyond our limitations.”
― Mallory Weggemann, Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
“That is the challenge we all face, no matter what our obstacles or disabilities. Whether they are physical, emotional, mental, financial, social, or a trauma from our past- the type of disability doesn’t matter- they are all rooted in the same thing: belief that we are limited or hampered in our capacity to thrive. And as long as we let fear drive our actions, those limitations are true. By allowing fear to call the shots in our lives, we validate every doubt, every insecurity, and everything that might hem us in or hold us back. But the moment we allow ourselves to feel hope- the moment we commit to following through instead of just talking about it, the moment we face our fears head-on and refuse to grant them any more power- is the moment we can change everything about our lives.”
― Mallory Weggemann, Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
― Mallory Weggemann, Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
A stunning memoir full of hope and brimming with wise words for anyone in need of remembering that life does go on, suffering is inevitable, joy can always be found, and you always always always have a choice. Healing is not chronological. Keep. On. Going.
“Do we allow our fears to paralyze us, or do we find the courage to lean in and stare them down? Only when we face our fears head-on, do we find out what is possible beyond our limitations.”
― Mallory Weggemann, Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
“That is the challenge we all face, no matter what our obstacles or disabilities. Whether they are physical, emotional, mental, financial, social, or a trauma from our past- the type of disability doesn’t matter- they are all rooted in the same thing: belief that we are limited or hampered in our capacity to thrive. And as long as we let fear drive our actions, those limitations are true. By allowing fear to call the shots in our lives, we validate every doubt, every insecurity, and everything that might hem us in or hold us back. But the moment we allow ourselves to feel hope- the moment we commit to following through instead of just talking about it, the moment we face our fears head-on and refuse to grant them any more power- is the moment we can change everything about our lives.”
― Mallory Weggemann, Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
April 4, 2021
Amazing book full of inspiration that I was moved from reading this. An amazing story for everyone to read.
I highly recommend it!
I highly recommend it!
May 9, 2021
A touching memoir, this book encourages the reader to never give up no matter what obstacles they face. The author’s voice is distinct and easy to read. She made her story so approachable and very relatable in the telling of it. The cover is great, and I especially adore the glitzy gold title that reflects her many gold-medal wins in swimming competitions. So fun to have that touch on the cover!
Content: a bar, alcohol, two different couples lived together before marriage
Content: a bar, alcohol, two different couples lived together before marriage
March 3, 2021
I am always fascinated and so impressed with people who take the hard ingredients life throws at them and turns them into their favorite meals. Terrible analogy but I'm sticking with it. (I shouldn't write reviews before coffee.)
Weggemann is so inspirational. She wakes up unexpectedly paralyzed from the waist down from a routine surgery. She channels her competitive swimming spirit and breaks records in the Paralympic Games. Then has to go through surgeries and rehab from damaging her arm and from there continues to win swimming competitions. There's NOTHING that will hold her back. She even ended up WALKING down the aisle on her wedding day. Now, you would think this would sum up the book and to an extent it does. But what you need to consider is just how hard it was to get through each one of these stages. These lessons are hard learned but she let nothing stand in her way. Thankfully she also had an amazing support system in her family.
I can't say much more about this other than it's a beautiful memoir. Always swim towards the light.
Weggemann is so inspirational. She wakes up unexpectedly paralyzed from the waist down from a routine surgery. She channels her competitive swimming spirit and breaks records in the Paralympic Games. Then has to go through surgeries and rehab from damaging her arm and from there continues to win swimming competitions. There's NOTHING that will hold her back. She even ended up WALKING down the aisle on her wedding day. Now, you would think this would sum up the book and to an extent it does. But what you need to consider is just how hard it was to get through each one of these stages. These lessons are hard learned but she let nothing stand in her way. Thankfully she also had an amazing support system in her family.
I can't say much more about this other than it's a beautiful memoir. Always swim towards the light.
March 8, 2021
Words cannot express how much I am overjoyed that I read this book. Thank you, Thomas Nelson, for sending me an email about it. I'm disabled as well. I was born with mine Mallory; hopefully, the Paralympics will be televised this summer along with the official Olympics. I will be watching you if I can. I don't know if you will see this but thank you for writing a book! I was born with Cerebral Palsy. Having the ability to do normal things and suddenly not be able to must be overwhelming for you. I was disabled at Birth due to Medical Negligence. To go in for a procedure and then not have the ability to walk after must be so overwhelming at times. We are all Limitless! I hope one day to meet you, Mallory! Good luck this summer!
Read
March 25, 2021“Life is about the long game, what seems overwhelming in the moment could be pointing us toward something greater. It’s up to us to push past the noise of the present and into the boundless possibilities of our unwritten future.”
Are you looking for a little inspiration to keep you afloat today? Look no further than Limitless by Mallory Weggemann, the gold medal winner, world champion swimmer and ESPY winner who uses her extraordinary story to continue to inspire others.
On January 21, 2008, a routine medical procedure leaves Mallory Weggemann paralyzed from her waist down. In this book, she tells the story of how she never looked back, created new goals, new desires, and found a path forward. Mallory finds her purpose in swimming and by the 2012 Paralympic Games, she held fifteen world records and thirty-four American records.
“Do we allow our fears to paralyze us or do we find the courage to lean in and stare them down? Only when we face our fears head-on do we find out what is possible beyond our limitations.”
You think that's incredible but even THAT wasn’t the end of her story. Years later, in a hotel shower, the seat breaks and she gets pinned on the ground with her arm awkwardly underneath her. It leaves her left arm severely damaged. It could have been the end of her career. Yet, Mallory refuses to give up. She shares the agonizing story of her reconstructive surgeries, bouts of depression, painful rehab, and fresh new desire to get back in the pool. More importantly, she finds her confidence, independence, and love and ends up WALKING down the aisle on her wedding day. The woman just does NOT quit!!
“We write out own stories through decisions we make every single day to rise above, adapt to, or redefine whatever knocked us off course and onto another.”
Thank you to @thomasnelson @malloryweggemann @tlcbooktours for sending this inspirational book my way.
To read more reviews, head over TO MY BLOG.
Or see what I'm currently reading over on my INSTAGRAM PAGE.
And now you can even follow my book chats on my BOOKTUBE CHANNEL!
Are you looking for a little inspiration to keep you afloat today? Look no further than Limitless by Mallory Weggemann, the gold medal winner, world champion swimmer and ESPY winner who uses her extraordinary story to continue to inspire others.
On January 21, 2008, a routine medical procedure leaves Mallory Weggemann paralyzed from her waist down. In this book, she tells the story of how she never looked back, created new goals, new desires, and found a path forward. Mallory finds her purpose in swimming and by the 2012 Paralympic Games, she held fifteen world records and thirty-four American records.
“Do we allow our fears to paralyze us or do we find the courage to lean in and stare them down? Only when we face our fears head-on do we find out what is possible beyond our limitations.”
You think that's incredible but even THAT wasn’t the end of her story. Years later, in a hotel shower, the seat breaks and she gets pinned on the ground with her arm awkwardly underneath her. It leaves her left arm severely damaged. It could have been the end of her career. Yet, Mallory refuses to give up. She shares the agonizing story of her reconstructive surgeries, bouts of depression, painful rehab, and fresh new desire to get back in the pool. More importantly, she finds her confidence, independence, and love and ends up WALKING down the aisle on her wedding day. The woman just does NOT quit!!
“We write out own stories through decisions we make every single day to rise above, adapt to, or redefine whatever knocked us off course and onto another.”
Thank you to @thomasnelson @malloryweggemann @tlcbooktours for sending this inspirational book my way.
To read more reviews, head over TO MY BLOG.
Or see what I'm currently reading over on my INSTAGRAM PAGE.
And now you can even follow my book chats on my BOOKTUBE CHANNEL!
July 14, 2022
"I accepted the idea that I had to have my world changed before I could hope to change the world in return. I just didn't know what that eventual world transformation would look like. I chose to trust that there was a greater reason for my pain." -Mallory Weggemann
This was an inspiring story of a woman who overcame multiple heart-wrenching challenges and setbacks to accomplish her dreams of being a championship swimmer. It's clear that God gave her the heart of a champion and the drive to persevere in the midst of great hardships. Like I said, it is definitely an inspiring story. I really respect the author's choices to not embrace a victimhood mindset but to fight to live a full life with the cards she was dealt. She is an overcomer that many will admire as do I.
That said, I can't give the book 5 stars as much as I wanted to. The reasons being that this was published in the Christian division of the publishing company. That might seem like a minor point but the content of the book is lacking a Christian theme. There's almost no mention of God, nothing of Christ, nothing of the Christian gospel and/or Christian call to run to Christ as the source of life and strength in the midst of trials. There's nothing about glorifying God and living for Him. While she does quote 1 Corinthians 13 when talking about her wedding, she goes on to state that life is not forever which is the opposite of a pretty foundational claim within the Christian faith. There's also some unchristian social justice views sprinkled within the book. So for those reasons I can't give it 5 stars. I understand that maybe she isn't a Christian or her faith is something she prefers to keep private. If that is the case then this would be better categorized as "Inspirational" and not "Christian."
Anyway, I'm glad I read it and applaud her choices and accomplishments.
This was an inspiring story of a woman who overcame multiple heart-wrenching challenges and setbacks to accomplish her dreams of being a championship swimmer. It's clear that God gave her the heart of a champion and the drive to persevere in the midst of great hardships. Like I said, it is definitely an inspiring story. I really respect the author's choices to not embrace a victimhood mindset but to fight to live a full life with the cards she was dealt. She is an overcomer that many will admire as do I.
That said, I can't give the book 5 stars as much as I wanted to. The reasons being that this was published in the Christian division of the publishing company. That might seem like a minor point but the content of the book is lacking a Christian theme. There's almost no mention of God, nothing of Christ, nothing of the Christian gospel and/or Christian call to run to Christ as the source of life and strength in the midst of trials. There's nothing about glorifying God and living for Him. While she does quote 1 Corinthians 13 when talking about her wedding, she goes on to state that life is not forever which is the opposite of a pretty foundational claim within the Christian faith. There's also some unchristian social justice views sprinkled within the book. So for those reasons I can't give it 5 stars. I understand that maybe she isn't a Christian or her faith is something she prefers to keep private. If that is the case then this would be better categorized as "Inspirational" and not "Christian."
Anyway, I'm glad I read it and applaud her choices and accomplishments.
October 21, 2021
I mostly enjoyed this story.
One learned a little more about swimming and the Paralympics.
They should have had a full list of all the wins and records Mallory holds.
The book did skip over several moments that I as a reader wanted to know about. Such as what does she think happened that day of the accident? Does she regret not suing years later? Are you making sure this does not happen again? Does she think her arm could have done better had she gone to the hospital asap? Did they ever sue the hotel? What was it like driving again? I felt those were just some of the questions that kind of got glossed over.
But the odd choice was giving a shutout to George Floyd? (page 240) What does this have to do with the story?
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
One learned a little more about swimming and the Paralympics.
They should have had a full list of all the wins and records Mallory holds.
The book did skip over several moments that I as a reader wanted to know about. Such as what does she think happened that day of the accident? Does she regret not suing years later? Are you making sure this does not happen again? Does she think her arm could have done better had she gone to the hospital asap? Did they ever sue the hotel? What was it like driving again? I felt those were just some of the questions that kind of got glossed over.
But the odd choice was giving a shutout to George Floyd? (page 240) What does this have to do with the story?
https://theworldisabookandiamitsreade...
February 16, 2021
Having just spent my afternoon reading Limitless cover to cover, I am so excited for the world to get to read Limitless on March 2. Limitless is B E A U T I F U L. While sharing the story of her life since her paralysis in 2008, she leaves the reader with a beautiful gift in each chapter; she not only shares the events that have transpired but also shares the wisdom she has amassed along the way. My heart is so full, thank you Mallory for sharing this with the world, you are Limitless!
September 21, 2022
This book was very enjoyable and relatable, in terms of never giving up hope. The author talked about her own personal struggles of being a paraplegic and how she overcame these struggles and hardships through resilience and hope. She went on to win many olympic medals and races as she was constantly battling her surgeries and their effects.
February 21, 2021
Powerful read! Thank you for sharing your journey, insight and wisdom in your beautiful words! Yes, good does overcome!
January 24, 2026
I loved this book! I listened to the audio version, read by Mallory herself. Her experiences, challenges, and how she kept moving forward are so inspiring.
September 5, 2023
I highlighted SO MANY sections. Now it is time to really process all of these good thoughts!
CHAPTER 2
As long as we let fear drive our actions, those limitations are true. By allowing fear to call the shots in our lives, we validate every doubt, every insecurity, and everything that might hem us in or hold us back. But the moment we allow ourselves to feel hope - the moment we commit to following through instead of just talking about it, the moment we face our fears head-on and refuse to grant them any more power - is the moment we can change everything about our lives.
CHAPTER 3
I had to allow myself to find the freedom that comes in the present - the lightness that comes when we choose to stop living in the past and decide to meet ourselves where we are in the present moment.
When we make moving on our goal, we set ourselves up for failure because it’s not a viable goal. We can’t rewind or erase the past. Moving forward is our only real option. We rebuild our lives with our new identities, incorporating the empathy we’ve gained, the wisdom we’ve earned, and the strength we’ve discovered. We carry those lessons with us, and we become fuller, more complex people because of our experiences, not in spite of them.
CHAPTER 4
I get a choice in this. I get a choice in this.
staying true to myself even when my circumstances gave me every reason to drift - it was a reminder of where I came from and how much that anchored me in who I was choosing to become.
When we draw our identity from our own passions and core values rather than someone else’s expectations, only then are we able to fulfill our greatest potential… it’s up to each of us to turn our excuses into fuel.
CHAPTER 5
As long as I wasn’t giving up, I was still making progress.
Sometimes we have to be willing to make the hard decisions between what we want in the moment and what we desire for our future.
When we give ourselves permission to work through our emotional scars, we aren’t admitting weakness; we are finding the power to meet ourselves where we are.
The key to getting through it is to realize it’s actually not a setback at all. It doesn’t mean that anything is “wrong” with you or that you somehow didn’t “do grief right” the first time around. It just means that you are a part of everything you have experienced, and everything you have experienced is a part of you. This is just one more step on the path toward where you ultimately want to be.
CHAPTER 7
When I finally recognized my value in not only what I could offer to the world but also what I inherently possessed as a person, I was no longer plagued with worries or insecurities; day by day, I found the courage to shed old behaviors and patterns of thinking.
CHAPTER 8
We all have an inherent desire to be recognized and celebrated for everything we can do and everything we have accomplished instead of being characterized by what others may perceive as a loss. Our ability to succeed in this pursuit lies in the truth that we define our limitations; our limitations don’t define us unless we allow them to do so. When we are afraid of reliving a trauma, an embarrassment, or a hurt, we end up making decisions from a place of fear. We are afraid of the possibility of comin in last, so we never even try…. but the difference between first place and last is infinitely smaller than the difference between last place and never even having tried.
We can’t give in to our limitations, but we can’t ignore them either. Instead, we have to redefine them, which requires active effort on our part. We must invest ourselves into pushing beyond whatever perceived restrictions our bodies, brains, or backgrounds can put on our lives. We can’t wish away our circumstances or passively hope they will change on their own. It is up to each one of us to reshape, reimagine, and redefine the limitations in our lives - every single day, with every decision we make. When we redefine our limits, we redefine what is possible.
Our bodies and our brains can hold on to pain that makes it difficult to move forward; yet, if we don’t move forward, we run the risk of leading a hemmed-in life that reflects all the opportunities we didn’t take and the joy we never even tried to chase.
CHAPTER 9
How do we find the balance between stopping - stepping back to refocus so we don’t end up working against ourselves and our ultimate goals - and just plain quitting?
I began to measure victories not by the outcome, but by the investment: Did I give everything I had that day to accomplish my best?
I could choose to trust myself and Steve’s coaching to draw out the very best I could offer that day, or I could allow the doubts to flood my mind and end up racing scared. Only one path would give me the chance to accomplish what I went to Charlotte to do. So I did what I knew how to do best: I put my head down and threw every ounce of strength I had at my goal.
Our willingness to fail is, in fact, what leads us to our greatest achievements.
Failing is simply not realizing your goals. We can’t lose our focus when that happens - and it will happen. That’s just life. Being a failure, on the other hand, is not meeting your potential. It’s not leaning into the fullness of who you have the power to be. It’s not realizing goals because you never even attempted to reach them.
CHAPTER 10
Courage is not letting fear eliminate hope.
CHAPTER 11
It is so easy to get lost in comparing ourselves to where we once were or what someone else is doing, using it as a metric to justify telling ourselves we aren’t enough. The only problem is, when we do that, nothing will ever be enough. A comeback is rooted not just in challenging your body but also in changing your perspective.
My emotional scars are every bit as real as my physical ones. That doesn’t mean they control me, and they certainly don’t define me. They simply are a reminder that I’ve been through some rough times and I’ve made it through to the other side.
CHAPTER 12
There are two ways to view the future: What if? and Why not? Looking forward through a lens of What if? subconsciously places limits on our potential, anticipating failure rather than allowing ourselves to see the vastness of possibilities that lie before us. On the other hand, Why not? recognizes we have an inherent right to chase that dream, no matter the odds, and it roots our goals in a mindset where anything is possible.
Adaptability is a powerful tool…. Mental strength can carry you further than physical strength alone. And when you have nothing to prove, you also have nothing to lose.
We all face sudden moment of impact = those unforeseen, unexpected, life-altering moments that send our lives on a trajectory we would never have dreamed of. Our legacy, however, is not defined by those moments but by the choices that come after. We write our own stories through the decisions we make every single day to rise above, adapt to, or redefine whatever knocked us off one course and onto another… Your world may never return to what it was prior to your sudden moment of impact, and your life might be forever changed - but maybe, just maybe, it is this very hardship that will carry you forward beyond anything that you dared dream possible.
CHAPTER 2
As long as we let fear drive our actions, those limitations are true. By allowing fear to call the shots in our lives, we validate every doubt, every insecurity, and everything that might hem us in or hold us back. But the moment we allow ourselves to feel hope - the moment we commit to following through instead of just talking about it, the moment we face our fears head-on and refuse to grant them any more power - is the moment we can change everything about our lives.
CHAPTER 3
I had to allow myself to find the freedom that comes in the present - the lightness that comes when we choose to stop living in the past and decide to meet ourselves where we are in the present moment.
When we make moving on our goal, we set ourselves up for failure because it’s not a viable goal. We can’t rewind or erase the past. Moving forward is our only real option. We rebuild our lives with our new identities, incorporating the empathy we’ve gained, the wisdom we’ve earned, and the strength we’ve discovered. We carry those lessons with us, and we become fuller, more complex people because of our experiences, not in spite of them.
CHAPTER 4
I get a choice in this. I get a choice in this.
staying true to myself even when my circumstances gave me every reason to drift - it was a reminder of where I came from and how much that anchored me in who I was choosing to become.
When we draw our identity from our own passions and core values rather than someone else’s expectations, only then are we able to fulfill our greatest potential… it’s up to each of us to turn our excuses into fuel.
CHAPTER 5
As long as I wasn’t giving up, I was still making progress.
Sometimes we have to be willing to make the hard decisions between what we want in the moment and what we desire for our future.
When we give ourselves permission to work through our emotional scars, we aren’t admitting weakness; we are finding the power to meet ourselves where we are.
The key to getting through it is to realize it’s actually not a setback at all. It doesn’t mean that anything is “wrong” with you or that you somehow didn’t “do grief right” the first time around. It just means that you are a part of everything you have experienced, and everything you have experienced is a part of you. This is just one more step on the path toward where you ultimately want to be.
CHAPTER 7
When I finally recognized my value in not only what I could offer to the world but also what I inherently possessed as a person, I was no longer plagued with worries or insecurities; day by day, I found the courage to shed old behaviors and patterns of thinking.
CHAPTER 8
We all have an inherent desire to be recognized and celebrated for everything we can do and everything we have accomplished instead of being characterized by what others may perceive as a loss. Our ability to succeed in this pursuit lies in the truth that we define our limitations; our limitations don’t define us unless we allow them to do so. When we are afraid of reliving a trauma, an embarrassment, or a hurt, we end up making decisions from a place of fear. We are afraid of the possibility of comin in last, so we never even try…. but the difference between first place and last is infinitely smaller than the difference between last place and never even having tried.
We can’t give in to our limitations, but we can’t ignore them either. Instead, we have to redefine them, which requires active effort on our part. We must invest ourselves into pushing beyond whatever perceived restrictions our bodies, brains, or backgrounds can put on our lives. We can’t wish away our circumstances or passively hope they will change on their own. It is up to each one of us to reshape, reimagine, and redefine the limitations in our lives - every single day, with every decision we make. When we redefine our limits, we redefine what is possible.
Our bodies and our brains can hold on to pain that makes it difficult to move forward; yet, if we don’t move forward, we run the risk of leading a hemmed-in life that reflects all the opportunities we didn’t take and the joy we never even tried to chase.
CHAPTER 9
How do we find the balance between stopping - stepping back to refocus so we don’t end up working against ourselves and our ultimate goals - and just plain quitting?
I began to measure victories not by the outcome, but by the investment: Did I give everything I had that day to accomplish my best?
I could choose to trust myself and Steve’s coaching to draw out the very best I could offer that day, or I could allow the doubts to flood my mind and end up racing scared. Only one path would give me the chance to accomplish what I went to Charlotte to do. So I did what I knew how to do best: I put my head down and threw every ounce of strength I had at my goal.
Our willingness to fail is, in fact, what leads us to our greatest achievements.
Failing is simply not realizing your goals. We can’t lose our focus when that happens - and it will happen. That’s just life. Being a failure, on the other hand, is not meeting your potential. It’s not leaning into the fullness of who you have the power to be. It’s not realizing goals because you never even attempted to reach them.
CHAPTER 10
Courage is not letting fear eliminate hope.
CHAPTER 11
It is so easy to get lost in comparing ourselves to where we once were or what someone else is doing, using it as a metric to justify telling ourselves we aren’t enough. The only problem is, when we do that, nothing will ever be enough. A comeback is rooted not just in challenging your body but also in changing your perspective.
My emotional scars are every bit as real as my physical ones. That doesn’t mean they control me, and they certainly don’t define me. They simply are a reminder that I’ve been through some rough times and I’ve made it through to the other side.
CHAPTER 12
There are two ways to view the future: What if? and Why not? Looking forward through a lens of What if? subconsciously places limits on our potential, anticipating failure rather than allowing ourselves to see the vastness of possibilities that lie before us. On the other hand, Why not? recognizes we have an inherent right to chase that dream, no matter the odds, and it roots our goals in a mindset where anything is possible.
Adaptability is a powerful tool…. Mental strength can carry you further than physical strength alone. And when you have nothing to prove, you also have nothing to lose.
We all face sudden moment of impact = those unforeseen, unexpected, life-altering moments that send our lives on a trajectory we would never have dreamed of. Our legacy, however, is not defined by those moments but by the choices that come after. We write our own stories through the decisions we make every single day to rise above, adapt to, or redefine whatever knocked us off one course and onto another… Your world may never return to what it was prior to your sudden moment of impact, and your life might be forever changed - but maybe, just maybe, it is this very hardship that will carry you forward beyond anything that you dared dream possible.
July 7, 2021
I admit I thought this was a Christian book, but I don't know why, because I did go into it blind, not knowing anything much about it, just quickly entering the giveaway seeing that a friend had entered it on Goodreads. I mean, she could be a Christian, but that's not at all what her message is in this book, and she never claims to be in this book. So I guess I was wanting her definitely to BE a Christian and this book to be about how God changed her heart and her life through the circumstances of her life and with her injuries and forgiveness and everything. If she hasn't made that decision, maybe she definitely will soon, if she keeps seeking and trusting and realizes the big surrender is one to Jesus, Who really sets you free and gives you real, abundant life, now and the rest of forever. But it's a good read and it is encouraging and it DOES lead you to hope. It just doesn't lead you to Jesus. I am so proud of her for surviving all of this and sharing her story, and I was definitely encouraged to keep journaling and to keep setting goals for myself and to persevere and fight for what I believe in and to make things happen not just wait for them to happen. I also liked how her family joked no matter what, even through the saddest, most heartbreaking parts. I can relate to that, and being part of a family like that. It works.
February 1, 2022
A fairly vanilla self-help/autobiographical/inspirational story. But, I liked it. She was sincere. She was honest (or at least I think she was). She wasn’t condescending. It had a little too much “love conquers all” and so wasn’t as useful as a self-help book. I generally don’t like the message of the book in the words of her father that “you can change the world.” While I appreciate the sentiment and as a parent I want to encourage my children to pursue greatness. The only reason I know about Mallory Weggemann (the author) is because she is a Paralympic champion and author. But, there are 7 billion other people out there I’ve never heard of and that haven’t really done anything to change the world. Setting your goals so high, “changing the world,” is setting yourself up for failure. If she hadn’t had that accident that paralyzed her, I almost certainly would’ve never heard of her. You have probably never heard of me (unless we’re connected via social media). The vast majority of the world doesn’t know about or care about each individual out there. Yes, we’re all connected and there’s not a lot of separation when accounting for degrees of separation. But just because 10 degrees (or however many it actually is) of separation exist between all the world’s people doesn’t mean that we really know everyone or can have any impact on those people. Try to change the world, but don’t be surprised if you’re just one among billions of other regular people.
June 19, 2022
This book radiates inspiring energy.
Mallory went through a LOT, to get where she is today, and many struggle to do the same.
Life isn't always predictable, we can only do so much to control what happens to us, and around us. For many, that can be incredibly hard to deal with. We are all faced with hardships we have to overcome, some more than others, but that does not mean the small struggles, aren't a struggle.
Mallory's struggle, was pretty significant, and a lot can be taken from her experience and the way she overcame things. Many of the ways that Mallory speaks about overcoming her difficulties, can be applied to, and used in other situations too.
I feel that even though many people who read this book, are likely not even remotely close to being in the situation that Mallory was, they will still be able to take away positivity and inspiration. I'm also sure it will bring worlds of help to those who are in a situation very similar as well.
I always respect and commend anyone who can openly talk about their struggles, let alone write a book detailing them, and the process of overcoming them. It is no easy feat to remember, and talk about the heavy issues you've had in life, and Mallory does it fantastically.
Mallory went through a LOT, to get where she is today, and many struggle to do the same.
Life isn't always predictable, we can only do so much to control what happens to us, and around us. For many, that can be incredibly hard to deal with. We are all faced with hardships we have to overcome, some more than others, but that does not mean the small struggles, aren't a struggle.
Mallory's struggle, was pretty significant, and a lot can be taken from her experience and the way she overcame things. Many of the ways that Mallory speaks about overcoming her difficulties, can be applied to, and used in other situations too.
I feel that even though many people who read this book, are likely not even remotely close to being in the situation that Mallory was, they will still be able to take away positivity and inspiration. I'm also sure it will bring worlds of help to those who are in a situation very similar as well.
I always respect and commend anyone who can openly talk about their struggles, let alone write a book detailing them, and the process of overcoming them. It is no easy feat to remember, and talk about the heavy issues you've had in life, and Mallory does it fantastically.
November 30, 2023
I generally love stories like this however this one wasn’t for me. I admire and salute Mallory for her unwavering ability to cheerlead her life moving forward and almost always being positive, happy and unwavering however for me, it seemed somewhat empty. One day she is getting an epidural, the next minute she is paralyzed. The book never, ever discusses or mentions what her feelings, thoughts, fears were after that dramatically changes her life. She literally comes home from the hospital and is going to the mall in a wheelchair with her dad the next. Then she is swimming. I felt as though SO much was missing. Also later in the book she has another very serious medical mishap and instead of seeking medical attention immediately, she continues on with her personal agenda. It was so confusing to me.
January 22, 2023
Mallory is paralyzed from the waist down from an epidural injection when she had shingles. She went from going to college to now figuring out how to move. Ultimately, this led her to swim where she would become a decorated champion with 23 world records and thirty-four US records. The story caught might attention. As I was listening to it, I soon got bored. I kept trying to listen to it, but I couldn't do it. I had to stop around 60%. I was expecting more of a biography with some lessons in there, but I didn't get that while reading the book. Maybe I'll try the physical book and see how I like that one.
August 25, 2025
I’m a huge fan of the Olympics and Paralympics! After both Games last summer I started reading memoirs of the athletes! One of my favorites is Limitless by Mallory Weggemann. Mallory truly has such a remarkable story. When Mallory was in high school, she paralyzed from the waist down from a routine medical procedure. Over her months of relearning how to do even the simplest things she discovered the Paralympics! She quickly went on to break world records. Years later she had another major physical setback and had to relearn life and how to compete again. Her story is truly on of perseverance that everyone should read.
March 17, 2024
I was gifted this by my company as part of a DEI initiative, and gave it a shot. Mallory speaks at length about her experiences coping with new disabilities and what she held on to during tough times. I found myself wanting a little more about her internal journey, especially when she alludes to her faith. Overall, a pleasant, light read, with a few insightful passages that will resonate with anyone who has faced a challenge that once seemed overwhelming.
Favorite passages:
“We don't simply move on following trauma-how can we? January 21, 2008, and the days and months that followed will forever be a part of me; I can't simply move on from them as if they never happened […] What I can do-what any of us can do following a trauma-is move forward, carrying the lessons from my trauma with me...”
“Loss is an inevitable part of life, but we must all learn how to move forward from where we are with what we have. Moving on was impossible because I couldn't simply leave my paralysis in the past any more than any of us can simply forget a trauma we have experienced. When we make moving on our goal, we set ourselves up for failure because it's not a viable goal. We can't rewind or erase the past. Moving forward is our only real option […] We carry those lessons with us, and we become fuller, more complex people because of our experiences, not in spite of them.”
“…but here they are resurfacing, reminding me that healing isn't chronological. The truth is, it doesn't follow a neat timeline—it surfaces on a random Tuesday, with no forewarning. […] No success in the world can erase what is ingrained in our hearts; instead of running from the traumas of our past we must find the space to honor them as a reminder of all we have weathered.”
“There's no such thing as "too soon" or "too long," provided that we are authentic about our emotions and don't hang out in either total victimhood or complete denial for the rest of our lives.”
“When we give ourselves permission to work through our emotional scars, we aren’t admitting weakness; we are finding the power to meet ourselves where we are.”
“Even something you may think you are "over" is still a part of who you are; it still leaves its mark on your story and your heart. There's no such thing as leaving the past totally behind; life has a way of circling around, of doubling back…”
“Our lives reflect the choices we make with the hand we are dealt, not the cards themselves.”
“Whatever challenges you may be facing in your own life, chances are there are burdens you carry along with them. I encourage you to look honestly at the things holding you back— old grudges, blame, or resentment-and decide if they are worth it. Is holding on to anger worth the toll it takes on your soul?”
“I continued to explore my identity outside of competitive swimming - one rooted in who I was, not what I could accomplish.”
“That's the thing about love- it doesn't seek to change you, and it isn't predicated on what you can bring to the table […] We fumble, fall, heal, and grow together; love becomes what it needs to be in the moment or the season, evolving and adapting, but never wavering.”
“We all face sudden […] life-altering moments that send our lives on a trajectory we would never have dreamed of. Our legacy, however, is not defined by those moments but by the choices that come after. We write our own stories through the decisions we make every single day to rise above, adapt to, or redefine whatever knocked us off one course and onto another.”
Favorite passages:
“We don't simply move on following trauma-how can we? January 21, 2008, and the days and months that followed will forever be a part of me; I can't simply move on from them as if they never happened […] What I can do-what any of us can do following a trauma-is move forward, carrying the lessons from my trauma with me...”
“Loss is an inevitable part of life, but we must all learn how to move forward from where we are with what we have. Moving on was impossible because I couldn't simply leave my paralysis in the past any more than any of us can simply forget a trauma we have experienced. When we make moving on our goal, we set ourselves up for failure because it's not a viable goal. We can't rewind or erase the past. Moving forward is our only real option […] We carry those lessons with us, and we become fuller, more complex people because of our experiences, not in spite of them.”
“…but here they are resurfacing, reminding me that healing isn't chronological. The truth is, it doesn't follow a neat timeline—it surfaces on a random Tuesday, with no forewarning. […] No success in the world can erase what is ingrained in our hearts; instead of running from the traumas of our past we must find the space to honor them as a reminder of all we have weathered.”
“There's no such thing as "too soon" or "too long," provided that we are authentic about our emotions and don't hang out in either total victimhood or complete denial for the rest of our lives.”
“When we give ourselves permission to work through our emotional scars, we aren’t admitting weakness; we are finding the power to meet ourselves where we are.”
“Even something you may think you are "over" is still a part of who you are; it still leaves its mark on your story and your heart. There's no such thing as leaving the past totally behind; life has a way of circling around, of doubling back…”
“Our lives reflect the choices we make with the hand we are dealt, not the cards themselves.”
“Whatever challenges you may be facing in your own life, chances are there are burdens you carry along with them. I encourage you to look honestly at the things holding you back— old grudges, blame, or resentment-and decide if they are worth it. Is holding on to anger worth the toll it takes on your soul?”
“I continued to explore my identity outside of competitive swimming - one rooted in who I was, not what I could accomplish.”
“That's the thing about love- it doesn't seek to change you, and it isn't predicated on what you can bring to the table […] We fumble, fall, heal, and grow together; love becomes what it needs to be in the moment or the season, evolving and adapting, but never wavering.”
“We all face sudden […] life-altering moments that send our lives on a trajectory we would never have dreamed of. Our legacy, however, is not defined by those moments but by the choices that come after. We write our own stories through the decisions we make every single day to rise above, adapt to, or redefine whatever knocked us off one course and onto another.”
September 24, 2025
A somewhat reluctant three stars because this went on far too long, padded out by her preaching the same points over and over! While she did indeed cram many heavy life lessons into a short span, at a much younger age than most, we DO nearly all get there (lessons learned) eventually! So we can be impressed with her honest efforts to come to terms with being paralysed and later becoming essentially, a tri-plegic, but not need to be hit over the head with the same mantras page after page! The book suffers greatly by her repeated formula of: "it's not about (insert word, most often: medals, records, acclaim, winning, proving, etc,) it's about (insert more elevated term: personal growth, acceptance, striving, understanding, forgiveness, reaching, etc.) As a journalist and writer, she should have been more aware of the above redundancy, or her editor should have caught it before it took over the whole book!
Taking one of the main aspects of her story: forgiveness, I want to say that of course that is an admirable attitude and a righteous one. I applaud her willingness to not blame or punish those who may have been responsible for her condition. However, that said, I feel she missed an important opportunity for accountability. Whatever happened in that procedure room to make her a paraplegic, had far-reaching ramifications, beyond just her own life and circumstances. I think she owed it to others who come after her to explore exactly what happened in order to pinpoint any errors that could be overcome so it won't continue to happen. There are many things that could have caused such a terrible accident, such as equipment failure, use of the wrong gauge needle, patient movement, medical personnel issues, lack of assisted guidance, the list is limitless too! You can forgive freely and still demand an accounting and I think she should have. If she didn't want to sue for damages, fine, but an in-depth inquiry could help prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
That brings up another aspect of Mallory's life that she never addresses, how was her family able to afford extensive home renovations, foreign and domestic travel, ongoing treatments, fancy clothing, and more? Health insurance probably helped, and later on in her career, she had commercial endorsements and positions. But a LOT must have come directly out-of-pocket, and even though she is rightly grateful to her family and "tribe" for being there for her, not everyone in her physical condition has the same kind of access to funding and connections. This glossing over of the costs involved really bothered me.
I was interested enough to look up what is going on in her life now and was thrilled to discover that Mallory and Jay are the parents of a daughter! Despite all my objections, I definitely found Mallory's story to be uplifting and hopeful. She is a good role model for those who suffer any kind of catastrophe in life. Good overcomes!
Taking one of the main aspects of her story: forgiveness, I want to say that of course that is an admirable attitude and a righteous one. I applaud her willingness to not blame or punish those who may have been responsible for her condition. However, that said, I feel she missed an important opportunity for accountability. Whatever happened in that procedure room to make her a paraplegic, had far-reaching ramifications, beyond just her own life and circumstances. I think she owed it to others who come after her to explore exactly what happened in order to pinpoint any errors that could be overcome so it won't continue to happen. There are many things that could have caused such a terrible accident, such as equipment failure, use of the wrong gauge needle, patient movement, medical personnel issues, lack of assisted guidance, the list is limitless too! You can forgive freely and still demand an accounting and I think she should have. If she didn't want to sue for damages, fine, but an in-depth inquiry could help prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
That brings up another aspect of Mallory's life that she never addresses, how was her family able to afford extensive home renovations, foreign and domestic travel, ongoing treatments, fancy clothing, and more? Health insurance probably helped, and later on in her career, she had commercial endorsements and positions. But a LOT must have come directly out-of-pocket, and even though she is rightly grateful to her family and "tribe" for being there for her, not everyone in her physical condition has the same kind of access to funding and connections. This glossing over of the costs involved really bothered me.
I was interested enough to look up what is going on in her life now and was thrilled to discover that Mallory and Jay are the parents of a daughter! Despite all my objections, I definitely found Mallory's story to be uplifting and hopeful. She is a good role model for those who suffer any kind of catastrophe in life. Good overcomes!
April 29, 2023
It's rare for me to rate a book at the highest level the site allows. Why does this one deserve it?
*It's inspirational
*Mallory Weggemann is honest about her struggles and her successes. She doesn't sugarcoat the mental effects her injury and setbacks have had. She doesn't make it sound like her success came easily. She's honest about having to change goals or get used to new normals.
Mallory Weggeman was a swimmer before she became a paraplegic at 18ish--but it doesn't sound like she was a very successful one. (At several points she states she "never made state" in high school. (To be fair, it sounds like her senior year of high school involved a number of health setbacks: mono which eventually settled into chronic fatigue syndrome, shingles which affected her nerves. And who knows if she would have made state if not for all those issues?
In fact, it is the residuals of shingles that sets up her paraplegia. Apparently, her doctors tried a series of spinal injections to ease the effects of that and on the third one, something happened and Mallory was left a paraplegic.
It sounds as if Mallory began journalling around this time--doing something similar to a technique I just recently hear about--where she wrote down her thoughts, fears, emotions, etc. as a way to get them out.
I am inspired by Mallory's fighting back a number of times in her life--redefining what her goals are, adapting to new normals, etc. At first, after she was injured and having to relearn many things/learn new ways to do things she did before. Then again after she achieved her goals of competing in (and winning) at the Paralympics (Olympic level) and Worlds. Then again after the defective shower bench at a hotel injured her left arm, leaving it with nerve damage. And again after the surgeries to assist with the nerve damage to her left arm. And even after COVID delayed her dreams of a paralympic comeback and motherhood.
I wonder how much of it comes from her (she mentions her "I do it" mentality from a young age) or her parents set up (her mom's "good overcomes" and her dad's positive bedtime message) vs. if someone else without those traits could still achieve this type of overcoming of circumstances. (Can we change our "stripes"?)
I admire that she realized her relationship with Chad wasn't what it should be for them to get married and called off the engagement (even though her dream was to be married with a family and at that point she didn't have any other prospects in mind). It turned out God had someone else in mind for her. (We shouldn't take this as our lives will work out this way--God has different plans for different people.)
*It's inspirational
*Mallory Weggemann is honest about her struggles and her successes. She doesn't sugarcoat the mental effects her injury and setbacks have had. She doesn't make it sound like her success came easily. She's honest about having to change goals or get used to new normals.
Mallory Weggeman was a swimmer before she became a paraplegic at 18ish--but it doesn't sound like she was a very successful one. (At several points she states she "never made state" in high school. (To be fair, it sounds like her senior year of high school involved a number of health setbacks: mono which eventually settled into chronic fatigue syndrome, shingles which affected her nerves. And who knows if she would have made state if not for all those issues?
In fact, it is the residuals of shingles that sets up her paraplegia. Apparently, her doctors tried a series of spinal injections to ease the effects of that and on the third one, something happened and Mallory was left a paraplegic.
It sounds as if Mallory began journalling around this time--doing something similar to a technique I just recently hear about--where she wrote down her thoughts, fears, emotions, etc. as a way to get them out.
I am inspired by Mallory's fighting back a number of times in her life--redefining what her goals are, adapting to new normals, etc. At first, after she was injured and having to relearn many things/learn new ways to do things she did before. Then again after she achieved her goals of competing in (and winning) at the Paralympics (Olympic level) and Worlds. Then again after the defective shower bench at a hotel injured her left arm, leaving it with nerve damage. And again after the surgeries to assist with the nerve damage to her left arm. And even after COVID delayed her dreams of a paralympic comeback and motherhood.
I wonder how much of it comes from her (she mentions her "I do it" mentality from a young age) or her parents set up (her mom's "good overcomes" and her dad's positive bedtime message) vs. if someone else without those traits could still achieve this type of overcoming of circumstances. (Can we change our "stripes"?)
I admire that she realized her relationship with Chad wasn't what it should be for them to get married and called off the engagement (even though her dream was to be married with a family and at that point she didn't have any other prospects in mind). It turned out God had someone else in mind for her. (We shouldn't take this as our lives will work out this way--God has different plans for different people.)
July 27, 2021
When a routine medical procedure left teenager Mallory Weggemann paralyzed from the waist down, life would never be the same again. A keen swimmer, with a bright future ahead of her, Mallory was now faced with a life wheelchair-bound. A week after her injury, she had a mental shift & like the determined toddler whose oft-used phrase “I do it” became a family joke, the teenage Mallory took control of her life and grew determined to overcome the challenges & forge a new path in life. With the support of her loving and very determined family, and a gentle push from her older sister, Mallory is persuaded to try swimming again and quickly finds a whole new focus for her life.
With a lot of hard work, Mallory soon starts to excel in para-swimming and less than two years after becoming paralysed, Mallory had broken eight world records and was heading for the London 2012 Paralympic games. Even when a reclassification meant that she did not achieve the Olympic success that she & those around her had expected, she became more determined and as focussed on getting stronger and pushing her limits in the pool, she also starts to push her limits out of the pool – from public speaking to living independently, nothing will hold her back.
Today Mallory is a Paralympic gold-medalist, world champion swimmer, Sports commentator & speaker – she uses her extraordinary story to inspire others and to work towards not only disability awareness but true acceptance of those with disabilities – ensuring they are visible in all walks of life.
Prior to reading this book I was not really familiar with Mallory Weggemann – I am not from the USA so her name is not well known and I had heard nothing of her story. Having read it, I will be paying particular attention to the Paralympic swimming during the Tokyo 2021 games!
Ultimately Mallory’s story reminds us that whatever circumstances we face, we have the ability to overcome the challenges and not only survive, but flourish.
The writing style and flow of the book make it easy to read and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#Limitless #NetGalley
With a lot of hard work, Mallory soon starts to excel in para-swimming and less than two years after becoming paralysed, Mallory had broken eight world records and was heading for the London 2012 Paralympic games. Even when a reclassification meant that she did not achieve the Olympic success that she & those around her had expected, she became more determined and as focussed on getting stronger and pushing her limits in the pool, she also starts to push her limits out of the pool – from public speaking to living independently, nothing will hold her back.
Today Mallory is a Paralympic gold-medalist, world champion swimmer, Sports commentator & speaker – she uses her extraordinary story to inspire others and to work towards not only disability awareness but true acceptance of those with disabilities – ensuring they are visible in all walks of life.
Prior to reading this book I was not really familiar with Mallory Weggemann – I am not from the USA so her name is not well known and I had heard nothing of her story. Having read it, I will be paying particular attention to the Paralympic swimming during the Tokyo 2021 games!
Ultimately Mallory’s story reminds us that whatever circumstances we face, we have the ability to overcome the challenges and not only survive, but flourish.
The writing style and flow of the book make it easy to read and I highly recommend it to anyone.
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#Limitless #NetGalley
October 29, 2021
This is a stunning and inspiring book. Mallory Weggemann is a Paralympic Gold athlete (in swimming) who was paralyzed at a young age. This memoir investigates her journey to not being limited by her circumstance. The values represented in the book are so well laid out and easily relate to the audience. her ability to find joy and perseverance in the hardest of times creates a motivating aspect to the book. This is most definitely a recommendation for anyone who is looking to challenge their situation and make a difference in the world. Weggemann is truly a magnificent writer and athlete who is able to articulate the meaning of success. She creates a unique perspective and believability to her words not because she is an outstanding writer, but because of her personal stories of vulnerability that she shares in the book. She starts off with her childhood and her supportive network of family members and ends with the power of love and personal desire to find happiness over success. By far, the most powerful lesson I learned from this book was the importance of having a positive mindset and getting up one more time after you fall. Her personal anecdotes and the phrases her parents would repeat to her every night personalize the story to connect to the values that she lives by. Furthermore, this book explores love, grief, frustration, perseverance, and everything in between. If anyone is looking for a book that truly teaches them how to be LIMITLESS, this is the one to pick. Each chapter has a lesson to take away. There are truly no chapters that have nothing the reader can learn. Whether the lesson is about finding the positives in every moment or having the determination to improve every day, this book is one that cannot be put down. Weggemann is an incredible writer, athlete, advocate, and family member. It was an honor to read her book.
March 31, 2021
Limitless
The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
by Mallory Weggemann
Nelson Books
Thomas Nelson
Biographies & Memoirs | Self-Help
Pub Date 02 Mar 2021
I am reviewing a copy of Limitless Through Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:
In Limitless we are reminded that when we remove every boundary that hems us in, whether it’s physical, emotional, or societal we become limitless.
Mallory Weggeman is a Paralympic gold medalist, world champion swimmer, ESPY winner, and NBC Sports commentator uses her extraordinary story to equip others to meet whatever challenges they face in life, she reminds us that we have a choice that is either to focus on the pain or to focus on the love that we are surrounded
On January 21, 2008, a routine medical procedure left Mallory Weggemann paralyzed from the waist down. She had gone in for a final injection to help ease the severe nerve pain she had dealt with, when something went wrong, she had sustained a T10 complete Spinal Cord Injury. Less than two years later Mallory had broken eight world records and by the 2012 Paralympic Games, she held fifteen world records and thirty four American records. An injury two years later after a devastating fall damaged her left arm, and still Mallory refused to give up, after two reconstructive surgeries and extended rehab, she won two golds and a silver at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships.
Limitless is the story of finding confidence, and love even in the midst of trials. This book showcases Mallory’s resilience in the face of great trials as well as an uncompromising commitment to excellence are rooted in her resolve, perseverance, and sheer grit. In this remarkable new book.
I give Limitless five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
by Mallory Weggemann
Nelson Books
Thomas Nelson
Biographies & Memoirs | Self-Help
Pub Date 02 Mar 2021
I am reviewing a copy of Limitless Through Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson and Netgalley:
In Limitless we are reminded that when we remove every boundary that hems us in, whether it’s physical, emotional, or societal we become limitless.
Mallory Weggeman is a Paralympic gold medalist, world champion swimmer, ESPY winner, and NBC Sports commentator uses her extraordinary story to equip others to meet whatever challenges they face in life, she reminds us that we have a choice that is either to focus on the pain or to focus on the love that we are surrounded
On January 21, 2008, a routine medical procedure left Mallory Weggemann paralyzed from the waist down. She had gone in for a final injection to help ease the severe nerve pain she had dealt with, when something went wrong, she had sustained a T10 complete Spinal Cord Injury. Less than two years later Mallory had broken eight world records and by the 2012 Paralympic Games, she held fifteen world records and thirty four American records. An injury two years later after a devastating fall damaged her left arm, and still Mallory refused to give up, after two reconstructive surgeries and extended rehab, she won two golds and a silver at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships.
Limitless is the story of finding confidence, and love even in the midst of trials. This book showcases Mallory’s resilience in the face of great trials as well as an uncompromising commitment to excellence are rooted in her resolve, perseverance, and sheer grit. In this remarkable new book.
I give Limitless five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
March 29, 2021
I love books that inspire me and remind me there are good things happening in this world. From the front cover you see a smiling Mallory in her wheelchair and you know you’re about to read a story about a strong female who has overcome some sort of obstacle. What you don’t know is how Mallory’s injuries came to be, how her amazing grace and faith got her through, and how she has been able to far surpass any expectations she had of herself and her own body. Mallory will show you chapter by chapter that anything is possible if you want it bad enough.
Limitless-Without end, limit, or boundary
A simple procedure Mallory has had several times before goes wrong and everything changes in one poke of a needle. Why did this happen? Will she recover from this? How will she be able to live with these new circumstances? These are all questions Mallory and her family have yet through their faith and determination Mallory not only lives with her disability, she thrives. As an avid swimmer you can imagine Mallory assumes her hopes and dreams of continuing to swim are out the door, after all how can you swim with no feeling in your legs? With a gentle push from her sister Mallory discovers a whole new opportunity of swimming for people just like her. With a lot of hard work and training Mallory not only gets back in the pool but goes on to set world records and win Olympic medals! Mallory shares her story of learning to live independently, battling a secondary illness, falling in love, keeping her faith, and becoming a woman who proves to everyone who reads her story that the possibilities are limitless!
Limitless-Without end, limit, or boundary
A simple procedure Mallory has had several times before goes wrong and everything changes in one poke of a needle. Why did this happen? Will she recover from this? How will she be able to live with these new circumstances? These are all questions Mallory and her family have yet through their faith and determination Mallory not only lives with her disability, she thrives. As an avid swimmer you can imagine Mallory assumes her hopes and dreams of continuing to swim are out the door, after all how can you swim with no feeling in your legs? With a gentle push from her sister Mallory discovers a whole new opportunity of swimming for people just like her. With a lot of hard work and training Mallory not only gets back in the pool but goes on to set world records and win Olympic medals! Mallory shares her story of learning to live independently, battling a secondary illness, falling in love, keeping her faith, and becoming a woman who proves to everyone who reads her story that the possibilities are limitless!
July 23, 2025
A very inspirational memoir from a Paralympic champion and winner of multiple awards including the ESPY Award. Good overcomes was the wisdom that came from her mother to encourage Mallory to find a way forward no matter what. She found that her family and surrounding community were at their best when she needed them most. She gives them all the credit but also constantly emphasizes that you have to choose your path, find the grit in your life to move forward each day despite the circumstances you find yourself in. I thought the most powerful part of the book was when she talked about forgiveness. As she writes: "In the act of forgiveness, I created my own closure - and most of all, I reclaimed my power." She reiterated that the forgiveness she granted to the medical professionals that caused her disability in the first place was for her to find freedom on the other side of the anger and anguish she held for so long. I would say this book should encourage anyone struggling with a disability or adverse circumstances to look to respond in order to make the best out of what you have been dealt with in life. Certainly, she exemplifies this in a magnificent way and after finishing the book it appears she went on to compete in the Paralympics in 2021, grab some more medals and then start her family. What a great story!
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