Today we’d like to introduce you to Dion Leonard.
Dion, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
In my 20’s my lifestyle was slowly killing me, I was overweight, a pack a day smoker and a heavy drinker that drank to hide the demons from my childhood. I started to overcome my past life memories and health problems when I took up the sport of ultra running. From not being able to run around the block, I have gone onto become one of the best ultra runners in the world, competing in some of the world’s toughest endurance races across the planet’s most inhospitable locations.
In 2016 I would cross paths with a stray dog while competing in a 155-mile ultra marathon race through the Gobi Desert in China. The lovable pup, who would later earn the name Gobi, proved that what she lacked in size, she more than made up for in heart, as she went step for step with Dion over the Tian Shan Mountains, across massive sand dunes, through yurt villages and the black sands of the Gobi Desert, keeping pace with him for nearly 80 miles.
As I witnessed the incredible determination and heart of this small animal, I found my own heart changing as well. Whereas in the past, these races were all about winning and being the best, my goal was now to make sure Gobi’s friendship continued well after the finish line. I found myself letting Gobi sleep in my tent at night, giving her food and water out of my own limited supply, and carrying her across numerous rivers, even when I knew it would mean putting me behind in the race, or worse, prevent me from finishing at all.
Although I did not cross the finish line first, I felt I had won something even greater – a new outlook on life and a new friend that I planned on bringing home as soon as arrangements were made. However, before I could take her home, Gobi went missing in the sprawling Chinese city where she was being kept. With the help of strangers and a viral outpouring of assistance on the internet, I set out to track her down, and reunite forever with the amazing animal that changed my life and proved miracles are possible.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I left home at the age of 13, my childhood was not a happy part of my life, and I ended up on the streets putting myself through school and working cash jobs to put food on the table. Looking back on this part of my life while it was a tough time, this period made me strong, determined, and gave me a never say any attitude.
Today when I’m pushing myself to the limit physically and mentally, I know I’ve been in some tough moments in my life both daily life and my running life, so I know I can get through the lows and search out the highs again. Ultra Running has many great crossovers into life and business, and its an education well learned on the trails running by yourself and with others who search out a better all-round life experience.
Finding Gobi – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My story of ‘Finding Gobi’ is now a New York Times Bestseller and an International Bestseller in over 20 languages. It’s available in a Young Readers edition, which is popular in schools as its got great content for the kids to read and also a great material for the teachers to use for educational purposes. Finding Gobi is also available in a fantastic picture book format as well. Recently I released my 4th book ‘Lara Runaway Cat, ‘ which is a semi-fiction story about my real cat Lara and her need to find herself through an adventure. It’s a touching story that has many heartwarming messages to it.
I also share my story through motivational speaking and events. Everything from children’s picture book reading, school and library visits to guest speaking at events and keynote speaking at conferences and motivational speaking engagements. I have spoken in front of everyone from award evening’s, the royal family to the President of Slovenia and love sharing my story.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is the best you can be, not what other people define as success. I learned my lesson a long time ago to forget about what people think you should do, think you should have, and believe you should be when they don’t have it all either. Be happy, be yourself, and surround yourself with people that accept you for this. Nothing else matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.findinggobi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findinggobi/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findinggobi/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/findinggobi?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Other: https://www.dionleonard.com
Image Credit:
Jasper James
Scott Rokis
Hemien Webb
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