From Trauma to Triumph: A Red Bull Athlete’s Journey

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Few comeback stories are as awe-inspiring as Mike Brewer's journey from a hospital bed to the elite Red Bull Air Force team. After a devastating accident that left him weighing just 120 pounds on his 6'1" frame with a traumatic brain injury, Mike transformed his recovery into a relentless pursuit of excellence that ultimately caught the attention of one of the most prestigious extreme sports teams in the world.

The mysterious Red Bull selection process culminated in a surprise announcement when team leader John DeVore presented Mike with his official helmet during a team debrief. "I had no idea until that helmet was in my hands," Mike reveals, describing the surreal moment that changed his professional trajectory. Within months, he was performing pyro jumps into the Hard Rock Hotel and landing in the starting grid at the Formula One Miami Grand Prix.

What makes Mike's story particularly compelling is his approach to training and risk. Through the Red Bull Athlete Performance Center, he received customized training addressing his unique needs after injury. Instead of shying away from danger, the accident transformed him into a more methodical athlete: "Now it's more like, have I checked all the boxes? Am I prepared? Are all the variables accounted for?" This mindset shift allowed him to continue pushing boundaries while managing risk effectively.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mike's involvement with charitable causes like 22 Jumps (22jumps.org) showcases his commitment to traumatic brain injury research and suicide prevention. Completing 22 base jumps in a single day – requiring nearly 11,000 feet of vertical hiking – demonstrates how he uses his platform for meaningful impact.

Whether you're an extreme sports enthusiast or simply someone seeking inspiration to overcome your own challenges, Mike's philosophy sums it up perfectly: "Have as much fun as possible without ruining it for anybody else." Subscribe now to hear the full conversation and discover what it takes to transform setbacks into extraordinary opportunities.

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