#112 USA Olympic Bobsledder Suffers from CTE? (2026)

The Harrowing Reality of Bobsledding and CTE: An Interview with William Person.

In this episode of High Strangeness, host Tony interviews former Team USA Bobsledder William Person, who discusses his athletic journey, the severe physical and mental tolls of bobsledding, and his struggles with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). William shares poignant experiences from his bobsledding career, detailing the terrifying moments, crashes, and the debilitating symptoms that followed. He recounts the mental health challenges faced by athletes after retirement and emphasizes the importance of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in his recovery. Persson advocates for better awareness, treatment accessibility, and protective measures for athletes and veterans suffering from head injuries. This episode serves as a powerful call to action for the sports community and beyond to address the hidden dangers of high-impact sports.

00:00 Introduction to High Strangeness

01:00 Meet the Olympic Athlete: William's Journey

04:35 Early Life and Introduction to Sports

07:55 Transition to Bobsledding

10:54 The Thrills and Dangers of Bobsledding

19:34 Understanding CTE and Its Impact

30:03 Discovering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

39:22 Offering Free Services for CTE

40:13 The Influence of Joe Namath

41:28 Plans for a New Facility

41:45 Challenges and Costs of Treatment

46:42 Mental Health and CTE

49:28 Personal Struggles and Support

54:51 Raising Awareness and Seeking Help

01:11:47 The Importance of Hyperbaric Chambers

01:14:40 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Full video Youtube link: https://youtu.be/pU_SwvWeK8w