What The Fire Ignited: How Life's Worst Helped Me Achieve My Best

by Shay Eskew

Overview

Overcome Life’s Obstacles and Find Strength in Adversity

We all face obstacles. Whether physical, spiritual, emotional, or financial, we are all working to overcome a roadblock ahead of us. When Shay Eskew’s roadblock—a splash of gasoline and a lit match that set his body ablaze—came at eight years old, he had the choice to either succumb to his injuries or to rise above them. In What the Fire Ignited: How Life’s Worst Helped Me Achieve My Best, Shay shares the trials and tribulations he was forced to face while recovering from his burns and reclaiming his life as an athlete. Despite being told to give up on sports, Shay was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Medal of Courage), ran a marathon on seven continents in seven days, and competed in over fifty IRONMAN triathlons on six continents. By sharing his story, Shay hopes to help those struggling to realize the greatest tragedies are often our greatest blessings if we have the faith to stay the course. We are all facing something; we all have the odds stacked against us in some way. In What the Fire Ignited, readers should take comfort in knowing others have been there and not only survived, but thrived.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798891882577
Publisher:	Advantage Media Group, Inc.
Publication date:	01/21/2025
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.49(d)

About the Author

SHAY ESKEW is an all-American/all-world-ranked IRONMAN triathlete, a burn survivor with scars covering 65 percent of his body, and a sought-after motivational speaker. At the age of eight, Shay was set afire by a neighbor’s child and endured over 35 surgeries over the last 36 years. Despite being told he’d never play sports again, Shay is living testament to the belief that anything is possible. Shay is a four-time IRONMAN, a four-time member of Team USA, and is ranked in the top 1 percent of Ironmen 70.3 athletes worldwide. He has competed in 10 triathlon world championships in seven countries on four continents, including the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. His mantra has always been to not merely be a “finisher,” but to be a “competitor.” Most importantly, Shay recently celebrated his fifteenth wedding anniversary and is the proud father of five kids under the age of 12.

Table of Contents

FOREWORD Forged by Fire WHAT IS IRONMAN? PART I: THE UNIMAGINABLE To Light a Fire Chaos Beyond Comprehension Sink or Swim PART II: WHO AM I? College Years and Daredevil Days Pain, Love, and Other Adventures Making Lemonade Out of Lemons PART III: I AM IRONMAN Road to Kona Kona at Last A Faith Unmatched CONCLUSION Zero Regrets IGNITE YOUR FIRE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR OUR SERVICES

Editorial Reviews

A book that needed to be written now needs to read. BAM” —Jack Daly, three time Amazon Best Selling Author and 15 time Ironman

What the Fire Ignited is a quick, fascinating read. Based on a personal tale of tragedy, it's an inspirational and gut-wrenching account of one man's determination which ultimately proves self-made success is possible despite tragedy and formidable obstacles. Told with self-deprecating humor, a lot of heart and wistful charm this compelling story forces you to empathize, do a little self-reflection, and ultimately walk away thinking, "Man, I want to get to know this guy!" —Chanda Bell, Author, The Elf on the Shelf, writer, director

"Utterly inspirational. Shay has constantly defied the odds, and his powerful, heart wrenching and ultimately uplifting story is a testament to the indomitable power of the human body and mind. It's a must read”. —Chrissie Wellington, 4 time IRONMAN World Champion

“This is an incredible story. Shay shares his amazing journey of overcoming countless obstacles and challenges to become a world class athlete against insurmountable odds. It is a story of resilience, strength, family and turning everything thrown at you into an opportunity. Read this and prepare to be inspired!” —Craig Alexander, 5 time Triathlon World Champion.

“To call Shay Eskew superhuman is an understatement. Shay somehow turned an unthinkable tragedy into boundless inspiration. He bares his soul in, What the Fire Ignited and his story had me laughing and crying, but mostly cheering for this most improbable hero. Go Shay!” —Dean Karnazes, TIME: "Top 100 Most Influential People in the World" and NY Times Best Selling Author

"Shay's story of perseverance and sheer will is one that needs to be told and retold! His journey is both harrowing and hope filled.” —R.A. Dickey, NL CY Young Winner, Olympic Bronze Medalist

From the Publisher