Brian Bell

The Backstory:
Bell grew up engaging in sports, and at 10 years old he became a below-the-knee amputee due to a train accident, but he didn’t let that stop him from getting back in the game. After working through rehabilitation and playing with a prosthetic that became too strenuous, he realized his true love was to wheelchair basketball. Working with Lakeshore Foundation, a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training sight opened him up to path in the world of wheelchair basketball. Bell went on to compete in the 2016 Rio Paralympics and won a gold medal, as well as competing and earning 2 silver medals at the 2014 and 2018 World Championships. He has continued his training in Germany for the upcoming Paralympics and is one to look out for on the courts.

Away from basketball:
Born and raised in Alabama, Bell is now married with four kids, living in Germany, and is furthering his education in a graduate program. When he isn’t training, he spends most of his time with his children and wife or speaking out to inspire those who look up to him.

In their own words:
“The biggest obstacle we have with Paralympic sport is getting more people to see it”

“I need to have a voice for those who don’t have opportunities”

“Basketball has provided a tremendous opportunity for me, allowing me to live in Germany for this long and travel internationally overseas. But not everyone has that opportunity, so it’s a chance now for me to speak out as an ambassador through sports.”

Learn more:
Team USA Page
IPC Page
Team USA: “Wheelchair basketball Gold Medalist Brian Bell Reminsces About Rio Triumph to Re-Air On NBCSN”