We Need to Talk, with Toni Street: Cody Everson on getting married, wheelchair rugby and staying positive

Cody Everson had to totally rethink how and why he exercises. Photo / Getty Images

In this episode of We Need To Talk, Toni Street catches up with captain of the Wheel Blacks Cody Everson.

In 2011, a school rugby accident left Everson a tetraplegic at 15. It meant he had to totally rethink how and why he exercises.

Everson shared his story on how he adjusted from living a 'normal' life, to living in a wheelchair.

"I remember getting to the spinal unit, going through those doors and seeing all these wheelchairs, and I'm like okay, like I didn't really think much of it. And then I get into my room, doctor comes in, 'yeah you're probably never going to walk again'. And it's like, 'righto, I'll prove you wrong' and that was my mindset.

"As time went on, that did fade away. But my motivation to get stronger and get better was more important."

Everson spoke about how his friends and family were constantly there with him while he was in the spinal unit at Christchurch.

"I still felt a little bit normal, like I wasn't secluded and I think that's what got me through the initial part of it."

Later, when he was back at home, he said wheelchair rugby was a "gateway" for him, where he could pour his energy into something new.

"I had something to get up for and train for.

"It was a motivation for me. I want to get better, I want to get faster and I want to do all the right things to get there."

He focused on celebrating the small wins and things he could do, and taking it day by day.

"Don't let what you can't do affect what you can do."

Street noted the gems from their conversation saying a positive mindset is crucial and mantras could be really helpful in maintaining that.

Also, having supportive people around you is key.

"You can have a wonderful life, even if it's not exactly the way you thought your life would pan out."

Listen to the episode here.

To listen to more episodes of We Need to Talk, click here.