Speedy Team USA Rugby Player Carlin Isles Talks Rio de Janeiro and More

Rugby is set to make a return to the Summer Olympics this year for the first time since 1924, and Team USA has a speedy Northeast Ohioan on its side. Dubbed “the fastest man in American rugby,” Massillon native Carlin Isles was a track and field and football star at Jackson High School and Ashland University and was briefly on the Detroit Lions practice squad in 2013. We caught up with the 26-year-old to get his takes on rugby and going for the gold.

On choosing rugby over other sports: When I saw how wide the rugby [field] was, I felt like I could use my gift. I’m able to showcase my speed a lot more.

On surviving poverty: I slept in cars when I was younger; I ate dog food. It’s just the spirit that I had inside of me and the will to never give up and the will to keep fighting. I just wanted to be somebody.

On winning a gold medal: It’s not the end of my dream. I want to touch people’s lives and give back [through] just telling my story and giving people hope.