Todd Crandell has transitioned from an individual struggling with addiction to an Ironman triathlete, motivational speaker, and founder of Racing for Recovery.
Featured in an article detailing his journey from drug addiction to Ironman veteran, and how he now uses the sport to help others.
Highlighted in a news segment about his inspiring transformation from drug and alcohol addiction to an Ironman athlete.
Featured in a press release announcing his book 'Creating Todd Crandell' and his role as 'The Original Sober Triathlete', founder of Racing for Recovery, and motivational speaker.
Featured in a post as an Executive Coach, having worked with competitive individuals to discover purpose and work/life balance.
Showcased as 'The Original Sober Triathlete', founder of Racing for Recovery, 128x IRONMAN, 6x author, counselor, speaker, and vegan, as seen on ESPN, BBC & CNN.
Featured in an article discussing his 13-year addiction journey, his recovery, and the completion of 122 Ironman events, highlighting his roles as an All World Athlete, author of six books, founder of Racing for Recovery, counselor, and mental health advocate.
Featured in an article about competing in his 125th Ironman event at the Rockford Ironman 70.3, bringing his message of hope and sobriety.
Highlighted as he approached 100 Ironman competitions, having competed in the Ironman 70.3 Michigan triathlon.
Featured in an ESPN Feature Story titled 'Addict to Ironman' chronicling his journey and achievements.
Featured in a CNN Special Projects segment titled 'Turning Points; Todd Crandell'.
Featured live on BBC News discussing his work with Racing for Recovery.
Born on December 12, 1966, in Toledo, Ohio, Todd Crandell faced significant adversity early in life, including the loss of his mother at age three. He subsequently experienced a 13-year struggle with drugs and alcohol, which led to him being expelled from high school and impacted a potential hockey career. His addiction culminated in a third DUI arrest on April 15, 1993, at which point he committed to sobriety and began to rebuild his life. Crandell pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Business Degree from Lourdes College and a Master of Counseling Degree from Spring Arbor University. He later became a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision Designation and a Licensed Independent Clinical Dependency Counselor with Clinical Supervision Status.
In 1999, Crandell completed his first Ironman triathlon, a demanding endurance event consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. This marked a turning point in his life, as he channeled his former destructive energies into physical fitness. Despite undergoing knee surgery shortly after his first Ironman, he completed his second five months later. He has since participated in over 100 Ironman and Ultraman events across six continents, using each race to demonstrate the possibility of recovery and personal transformation. In 2001, Crandell founded Racing for Recovery, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals overcome addiction through a holistic approach that integrates physical activity, mental wellness, and community support.
Crandell’s dedication to recovery and holistic wellness extends to his advocacy for a plant-based diet, which he details in his fourth book, “Do NO Harm: Discovering the Truth and the Power Behind a Compassionate Lifestyle.” He is also the author of “Racing for Recovery: From Addict to Ironman” (2006) and “Choices and Consequences” (co-authored with Lauren Kanne). His story has been featured in various media, including the award-winning documentary “Pure Euphoria,” ESPN, CNN, and BBC News. Through his speaking engagements, books, and podcast, Crandell inspires audiences with his personal journey from addiction to becoming a world-class athlete and an advocate for sobriety.
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