JUSTIN WREN BEGAN HIS ADDRESS to ISPA members by honoring Alex Szekely ’ s dedication to making a difference . He then recounted some of his life experiences that instilled a passion for “ fighting for the forgotten .”

Wren shared that he was bullied as a child and felt alone until he became interested in wrestling . When he was in high school , his parents sent him away from home to train with Olympic wrestling coaches , and he continued training after high-level success in high school .

A chaotic career followed . Wren continued to dominate in the wrestling ring and graduated to MMA fighting . But after a serious injury , he had access to almost unlimited prescription painkillers . Wren started his professional career as an addict and his coaches voted him out of his training program .

When Wren missed his best friend ’ s wedding — he was supposed to be best man — he recalled questioning his own existence and asking himself : Is that all ? Isn ’ t there more than this ? Depressed and despondent , Wren decided I don ’ t want to hurt people any more , and he attempted suicide .

When he woke up the next day : I realized I was grateful for the breath in my lungs . The shame flipped with gratitude . It was in that moment I decided I was going to go back , get help , get into rehab . When I came back it wasn ’ t easy — I had to think

— JUSTIN WREN

24 PULSE n JUNE 2024