How Pickleball Rescued a Man from the Brink: Spencer Childs, a 59-year-old financial planner from Las Vegas, turned his life around through pickleball after years of health struggles caused by two major car crashes. He began playing regularly in 2015 after being introduced to the sport by family and now credits it with saving his life.
From Accidents to a Health Crisis
Childs had always been active despite lifelong weight struggles. In 2005, he was rear-ended by a DUI driver. Then in 2015, he was in another crash on the freeway. He had surgeries to fuse parts of his neck and lower back.
Following his back surgery, his health declined. He reached around 350 pounds and was on seven daily medications for high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, and pain.
“My life was not going in the direction I wanted to go. I was 50 and I didn’t know that I would live to see 60, and I didn’t know if I wanted to.” – (childs)
A Game That Changed Everything
During a family reunion in Park City, Childs was introduced to pickleball. It was an activity he could do despite past injuries, and it quickly became a regular part of his life.
“Our family likes to do active things,” said his wife. “Over the years, things happened and it was harder and harder for Spencer to participate… when he found Pickleball, it changed his life and by extension it changed my life.”
Physical and Mental Transformation
Childs now plays six mornings a week, starting at 5:30 a.m. He has gone from taking seven prescriptions daily to none.
“The quality of my life has improved dramatically and I’m extraordinarily grateful for that.” – (childs)
“Him finding pickleball and pursuing this idea of playing pickleball changed everything about him,” his wife added. “It made him happy again.”
Community and Connection
Spencer’s pickleball community plays a huge role in his new life. “I live just close to this pickleball courts. That’s where I met Spencer,” said a fellow player. “He’s a super super nice guy, organizer, and born leader… he became a really really good player.”
“It’s really good for your physical health and equally as good if not better for your mental health.” – (childs)
“In pickleball, you can really connect if you want to… show up to your local pickleball courts and what I say is, you’ll find your tribe. I promise you. You’re not alone, and you’ll find your tribe.” – (childs)
His wife said, “He started calling the people he plays pickleball with his pickleball family, and truly they are like a family to him.”
Inspiration and Hope for Others
Childs’ transformation inspired those closest to him. “He found a way to change his life and inspire other people, and it has inspired me,” said his wife. “He can change. I can change. We can all change. We can improve and make our lives better.”
“Pickleball—it connects people. Above all, it connects people. I’ve regained my health, and I’ve gained new friends. What’s better than that?” – (childs)
News in Brief: How Pickleball Rescued a Man from the Brink
Spencer Childs, a Las Vegas financial planner, overcame serious injuries, obesity, and poor health through pickleball. After years of pain and medication, he now plays six days a week, has no prescriptions, and calls his teammates his “pickleball family.” The sport gave him new health, purpose, and community.
ALSO READ: Unlock Your Championship Dreams: APP Passport Revolutionizes Pickleball Competition in 2025!