meet max rohn
Max Rohn is a Navy veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and Paralympic athlete whose life was forever changed by a single moment in combat.
While serving in the United States Navy, Max was severely injured during a complex ambush when an RKG-3 grenade struck the door of the Humvee he was riding in. The blast caused devastating injuries to his leg and began a long and difficult fight for survival and recovery.
What followed was years of surgeries and attempts at limb salvage, along with life-threatening complications after a surgical instrument was accidentally left inside his leg during one of his procedures. After years of enduring pain and complications, Max ultimately made the difficult decision to undergo an amputation.
The physical battle was only part of the story. Like many veterans facing trauma and life-altering injury, Max struggled with addiction and the challenge of redefining his identity after leaving the military. Through recovery, determination, and the support of those around him, he rebuilt his life and discovered a new purpose.
Today, Max is a Paralympic discus thrower competing at the highest levels of international adaptive athletics. Representing the United States on the world stage, he has earned silver medals at both the Pan American Games and the World Championships.
Beyond competition, Max is deeply committed to helping others find strength and opportunity after adversity. He dedicates much of his time to coaching adaptive sports and mentoring youth athletes, helping individuals with disabilities discover confidence and empowerment through athletics. He also serves on the board of directors for America's VetDogs, supporting the organization’s mission of providing service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities.
Through his speaking, Max shares a powerful and honest story about resilience, recovery, and rediscovering purpose after life’s most difficult moments. His message resonates with audiences ranging from corporate leadership teams to veteran organizations and community groups, reminding people that adversity can become the catalyst for transformation.
Max lives in California with his wife and continues to train, compete, coach, and inspire audiences across the country.