You're watching:
S9 E12 - Divine Savagery, Tommy Richardson
A native Texan, Tommy grew up bullied, beaten, and told he would never amount to anything. As a child, he was bruised, cut and cursed so deeply that it nearly drove him to end his own life. But, instead of giving in, he rose.
He became an Eagle Scout and a four-year Varsity basketball player, driven to prove to himself, and the world, that pain could be transformed into power. After high school, Tommy joined the Marie Corps Infantry, serving 9.5 years before earning his place in the elite Navy SEAL Teams.
Throughout his career, Tommy faced injuries and surgeries that would have ended most people's paths.
After knee surgery, doctors told him he'd never do anything heavy on his legs again. A year later, he sent his surgeon a video of himself towing a 17-ton truck in a strongman event. At the end of his military career, he underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor and cyst that were set to kill him. During surgery, he suffered a stroke and woke up temporarily blind in his left eye.
When he left the hospital, he could barely bench press five pounds.
This feat caught the attention of Westside Barbell, the world's strongest gym. After multiple trips to Columbus, OH and extensive training under their coaches, Tommy was welcomed as a permanent athlete and guest writer for their strength education platform. Now a sponsored competitive powerlifter, in his very first meet he set two state records and qualified for Nationals, where he is on track to break two National Records this November with the USPC.
Tommy holds a BA in Criminal Justice, a Master's Degree in Military Studies, and is currently pursuing a Master's in Sports Management. He is the founder of Divine Savagery, a coaching and consulting company rooted in his faith in Jesus, the Divine behind the Savage, where he helps leaders, athletes, veterans, and tactical professionals build unbreakable strength, resilience, and
HIS MISSION IS SIMPLE: to show people that no matter how deep their darkness, they can rise to live with power, courage, and faith. Tommy is a sought-after speaker, tactical leadership instructor, aTommy is a retired Navy SEAL and Marine Corps Infantryman with nearly 27 years of combined military service.
and business mentor, known for his raw authenticity, battlefield wisdom, and proven ability to turn adversity into unstoppable momentum.
