ADAM BALLOUBuy on Amazon

Paralympian · Author · Speaker

BUILT
toRISE

A story of resilience, purpose, and overcoming adversity.

Written by Paralympian and U.S. National Team athlete Adam Ballou, Built to Rise is for athletes, young people with disabilities, parents, coaches, therapists, educators, and anyone facing adversity.

Buy Paperback · $14.99→Kindle · $4.99→Book Adam to Speak→
★★★★★ Read Reader Reviews →
Built to Rise — book cover by Adam Ballou

Social Proof

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING

★★★★★

5.0 average on Amazon

★★★★★

What if the challenges you face today are exactly what you need to build the life you want tomorrow?

"I just finished reading 'Built to Rise' by two-time Paralympian Adam Ballou, and it completely shifted my perspective on adversity. This isn't a book bragging about goals, medals or titles. It's a deeply honest, vulnerable look at resilience, overcoming self-doubt, and learning to embrace discomfort when you feel like the world is leaving you behind. For Teens and Athletes — a master class in mental toughness and extreme ownership. For Parents and Educators — an inspiring road map on how to support young people through difficult times. Adam's journey is proof that you don't have to start ahead to build an extraordinary life. Put this on YOUR reading list!"

— Amazon Customer

Verified Purchase · Paperback

★★★★★

Inspiring and Authentic Read

"Built to Rise is an inspiring and heartfelt story that goes far beyond sports. Adam Ballou shares his journey with honesty, humility, and resilience, offering powerful lessons about perseverance, self-belief, and overcoming life's challenges. His experiences as a Paralympian are impressive, but what makes this book special is how relatable and human the story feels. Whether you're an athlete, a parent, or simply someone facing obstacles of your own, you'll find motivation and encouragement in these pages. A great reminder that our circumstances don't define us — our response to them does. Highly recommended."

— William C. Wood

Verified Purchase · Kindle

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ALREADY READ BUILT TO RISE?

Amazon reviews help readers discover the book and allow this message to reach more athletes, families, and individuals facing adversity. If Built to Rise impacted you in any way, please consider leaving an honest review.

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Why It Matters

WHY BUILT TO RISE MATTERS

Built to Rise was written for the kid who feels different.

Growing up with cerebral palsy, Adam often faced challenges that others couldn't see. Through sport, setbacks, Paralympic competition, leadership, and personal growth, he discovered lessons that can help others build confidence, resilience, and purpose.

This book serves as a guide for anyone facing adversity and searching for the courage to keep moving forward.

Adam Ballou

Who It's For

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR

01

Athletes

Learn how to navigate setbacks, pressure, self-doubt, and growth.

02

Young People with Disabilities

See your story reflected in someone who has walked a similar path.

03

Parents & Families

Gain perspective on supporting and empowering children facing challenges.

04

Therapists & Medical Professionals

A resource that helps patients feel seen, understood, motivated, and inspired.

05

Coaches & Educators

Tools and perspective to help young people build resilience.

Adam Ballou training

The Mission

HELPING MORE
PEOPLE RISE

The mission of Built to Rise extends far beyond book sales. Our goal is to place copies of Built to Rise in:

  • ✓Children's hospitals
  • ✓Rehabilitation hospitals
  • ✓Physical therapy clinics
  • ✓Occupational therapy clinics
  • ✓Schools
  • ✓Adaptive sports programs
  • ✓Disability organizations

Every reader deserves to feel seen, understood, and capable of overcoming adversity.

Partner With Us

BRING BUILT TO RISE TO YOUR ORGANIZATION

We actively partner with organizations serving young athletes and individuals with physical disabilities.

Children's Hospitals
Rehabilitation Centers
Physical Therapy Clinics
Occupational Therapy Clinics
Adaptive Sports Programs
Universities
Schools
Disability Organizations
Partner With Built to Rise→adamballoubookings@gmail.com

Speaking

BOOK ADAM BALLOU

Turning adversity into opportunity.

Topics

ResilienceLeadershipDisability InclusionMental ToughnessHigh PerformanceAdaptive SportsParalympic SportOvercoming Adversity

Audiences

SchoolsUniversitiesHospitalsCorporate EventsConferencesNonprofitsSports Organizations
Book Adam→adamballoubookings@gmail.com
Adam Ballou with U.S. Soccer team
Portrait of Adam Ballou

About Adam

ATHLETE. AUTHOR.
ADVOCATE.

Adam Ballou is a Paralympian and U.S. National Team athlete, published author, and speaker whose work helps people turn adversity into opportunity.

  • Paralympian
  • U.S. National Team Athlete
  • Published Author
  • Speaker
  • Disability Advocate
  • Leader in Adaptive Sport

Media & Press

MEDIA & PRESS

For interview requests, podcast appearances, and press inquiries, please reach out directly.

Adam Ballou headshot

Headshot

Professional headshot for media use.

Built to Rise cover

Book Cover

High-resolution cover artwork.

Speaker Bio

Adam Ballou is a Paralympian, U.S. National Team athlete, published author, and speaker. His message of resilience and ownership has reached athletes, families, and organizations across the world.

Media Inquiries→

The Community

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Already Read It?

ALREADY READ BUILT TO RISE?

Amazon reviews help readers discover the book and allow this message to reach more athletes, families, and individuals facing adversity. If Built to Rise impacted you in any way, please consider leaving an honest review.

Leave an Amazon Review→