Alex McKinnon on the tackle that made him quadriplegic

Former NRL Player Alex McKinnon grew up in Aberdeen. Alex became an NRL legend, playing 50 games, including a debut with the Dragons at 19 and the majority of his career with the Knights under the guidance of Wayne Bennett. However, tragedy struck shortly after his 22nd birthday when a spinal cord injury changed the course of his life forever. Listeners will hear Alex's raw and emotional account of the life-altering moment on the field, the aftermath, and the unexpected impact on his relationships, including a year of silence with the players involved in the tackle. His journey through anger, hate, and eventually forgiveness provides a profound insight into the human spirit. The episode explores how his injury forced him to explore new horizons, leading to a newfound appreciation for life, family, and personal growth. Alex takes us through his post-injury life, including raising three beautiful girls, returning to study psychology, and discovering the joy of exploring art galleries and engaging with random strangers. Despite the challenges, he expresses gratitude for the opportunities his injury has presented and the unique perspective it has given him on life. Join Sarah Grynberg in this inspiring conversation with Alex as he shares his story of resilience, personal growth, and the unexpected beauty that can emerge from life's most challenging moments. If you have you someone you'd like featured on Stories of Us - email us at [email protected]