Episode #38 - Chuck Aoki - Wheelchair Rugby

Chuck Aoki is a thirty-year-old rugby star for the US Paralympic team. He was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. Chuck has hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 2. It’s a rare disease that affects the nerves that serve the lower legs and feet and the lower arms and hands.

Chuck has used a wheelchair for much of his life. He attended Metro State in Minneapolis for his undergrad and attended the University of Minnesota for his master’s degree in public policy. He is now a Ph.D. student in International Relations at the University of Denver. He played wheelchair basketball for eleven years before switching to rugby. He is a three-time Paralympian and has won two silvers and a bronze medal. You can follow Chuck's journey on Instagram @chuckaoki and Twitter @aoki5chuck.