Title: A Chosen Bullet
Author: Bill Renje
Prologue: The Ascent
Bill Renje’s life is a profound testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of sports. In his autobiography, A Chosen Bullet: A Broken Man’s Triumph Through Faith and Sports, Renje chronicles his journey from a life-altering injury to achieving remarkable success.
Bill Renje was a rising star in collegiate track and field, his legs a blur of determination as he sprinted toward Olympic dreams. Born in a small Midwest town, he thrived on discipline and the roar of crowds. But on a crisp autumn evening in 2012, fate diverged.
The Incident: The Bullet’s Whisper
Leaving a café after studying, William heard gunshots—a robbery gone wrong. A stray bullet pierced his spine, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. The ER hummed with urgency; surgeons saved his life but not his legs. “You’ll never walk again,” the doctor said. The bullet, meant for another, had chosen him.
The Fall: Shadows and Silence
Months blurred into a haze of painkillers and despair. William’s track trophies gathered dust as he raged against God. “Why me?” he screamed into the void. His girlfriend left; friends faded. Yet, his grandmother’s voice echoed: “God doesn’t waste pain.” One night, he opened her Bible to Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you…” Seeds of hope took root.
The Spark: Wheels of Destiny
During rehab, a therapist handed him a racing wheelchair. “Try it.” Hesitant, William gripped the wheels, feeling a familiar rush as he sped down the hospital corridor. For the first time since the injury, he smiled. A Paralympic coach spotted his potential and offered mentorship. “You’ve got the heart of a champion,” she said.
The Climb: Forged in Fire
Training was brutal. Blistered hands, sleepless nights, and financial strain tested him. His coach became a lifeline, drilling him on technique and resilience. Faith became his anchor—prayers before dawn, scripture taped to his wheelchair. At a low point, he nearly quit after a failed qualifier. But his grandmother’s words returned: “Perseverance is worship.”
The Triumph: Gold in the Storm
Rio 2016 Paralympics. William lined up for the 100m wheelchair final, rain slicking the track. The gun fired; he surged, arms burning, crowd a distant roar. At the finish, he glanced up— 9.87 seconds*. Gold. The podium moment was sacred: “This medal isn’t mine. It’s God’s grace and a bullet’s unintended gift.”
Epilogue: The Unbroken Circle
Today, William tours schools and prisons, sharing his story. “That bullet didn’t break me,” he says. “It chose me—to show that scars can be stepping stones.” He mentors young athletes, funds adaptive sports programs, and laughs often. His journey, etched in faith and fortitude, reminds the world: true triumph begins when the spirit refuses to shatter.
Professional Achievements
Beyond sports, Renje built a successful career in business, further exemplifying his ability to overcome adversity and achieve excellence in multiple facets of life.
Inspiration and Outreach
Renje’s story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. He authored a workbook aimed at guiding teens and young adults through their own challenges, using his experiences to impart valuable life lessons.
Theme: A Chosen Bullet transforms tragedy into legacy, proving that purpose can emerge from pain, and that sometimes, the darkest paths lead to the brightest light.
Last modified: March 8, 2025
