Sister had stroke at 37
Miles's sister suffered a stroke at age 37, a healthy marathon runner, while Miles was in the middle of Olympic qualifying.
Snapshot · On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Miles Chamley-Watson: #1 Mindset Shift That Changes Everything (Try THIS to Stay Sharp, Focused, and In Control)
Explore episode
Jun 3, 2026
Where this was said
The Role Models Who Shaped My Life
At 48:02 · chapter starts 47:18
Jay asks whether the early absence of his father left lasting marks, and Miles is candid: yes, the trouble he got into, the arrests, the inability to process certain things — it all traced back to unexamined trauma. But after a spiritual journey and encouragement from close friends, Miles picked up the phone. 'Hi Dad, this is Miles. How are you? I don't want to know about the past.' The call lasted approximately 45 seconds. He describes it as harder than any training session he has ever done — he says he would have chosen climbing Everest over making it. But posting about the experience prompted an outpouring from Black men across the world saying they were going to call their own fathers. The insight that changed his perspective: parents are also still growing up, learning, failing, trying. Understanding that dissolved his resentment and opened space for something new. [1] — Miles Chamley-Watson "Miles went over a decade without speaking to his biological father. Then, on a spiritual journey, he picked up the phone, said 'Dad, this i…" 39:04
His Sister's Stroke: The Moment He Became a Man
While in the middle of Olympic qualifying, Miles's sister — a healthy 37-year-old marathon runner — suffered a stroke, caused by domestic violence. Miles flew from Japan to Miami, found her on a feeding tube and breathing apparatus, and had to become the family's anchor while still competing. He made the Olympic team. He still doesn't know how.
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