Ernest Reyna’s Fight: Resilience, Autoimmune Struggles & Thriving in Sports

📍 Featuring: Ernest Reyna, Collegiate Athlete | Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia Advocate

But for collegiate javelin and discus thrower Ernest Reyna, those diagnoses didn’t end his athletic journey. They redefined it.

Promotional image featuring Ernest Reyna, a track and field athlete from East Texas Baptist University, holding a discus and advocating for autoimmune warrior awareness, including rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

In a powerful episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Ernest shares what it’s like to live—and thrive—with invisible illness, proving that resilience is more than just a buzzword.

It’s a daily choice.

🏋️‍♂️ From Athlete to Advocate: A Story That Hits Hard

Ernest grew up with hoop dreams.

Before kindergarten, he was already hitting the courts, and later, the football field. Sports were central to his identity.

But in eighth grade, things shifted.

Mysterious weight gain, fatigue, and swelling near his thyroid began a long, confusing diagnostic journey.

A collegiate athlete practicing javelin throw on a grassy field, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt and a blue cap, with another person practicing in the background.

Eventually, he received a dual diagnosis: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia.

For most, that would have meant the end of competitive athletics. Not for Ernest.

“I thought I wouldn’t even be able to go out and play basketball with my friends—or with my kids in the future.” — Ernest Reyna

⚡ Reimagining Performance & Pushing Limits

Living with autoimmune diseases meant redefining what “working hard” looked like.

The traditional mindset of pushing to failure was no longer sustainable.

Instead, Ernest learned to train smarter, not harder—prioritizing hydration, electrolytes, inflammation-lowering nutrition, and strategic rest.

“You have to work out halfway so that you can keep working out regularly.” — Chris Burton, co-host

His routine now includes:

Recognizing mental fatigue as a signal—not a weakness
Evening and morning stretching (30–60 minutes more than teammates)
Listening to his body over following a rigid regimen
Prioritizing foods that fight inflammation
Electrolyte-focused hydration (yes to Gatorade, no to just plain water)

💬 The Mental Battle: More Than Physical Pain

Perhaps the toughest hurdle? The mental toll.

A collegiate track and field athlete wearing a beanie and sunglasses, standing on a field in a white athletic shirt with 'East Texas Baptist University Track and Field' printed on it.

“A rough day starts from the moment I wake up. It feels like I got beat with a bat in my sleep.” — Ernest Reyna

Whether it’s waking up in pain, hiding symptoms from teammates, or coping with dismissive comments (“So you’re an old lady now?”), Ernest has learned the importance of compassion—especially self-compassion.

And while he’s still learning how to balance pushing through with knowing when to rest, one thing is clear: Ernest shows up. Even when others can’t see what he’s fighting.

🧠 Community, Coaching & the Power of Being Seen

Ernest credits much of his comeback to community—supportive coaches, observant teammates, and role models like his mom and grandmother, who also battle autoimmune conditions.

“Even if I trip on a pothole, there’s five or six hands ready to catch me.”

Through it all, Ernest continues to compete at the collegiate level, and he doesn’t just show up—he visualizes himself at the Olympics.

That mindset?

It’s the definition of resilience.

🎯 Why His Story Matters

Ernest’s story isn’t just for athletes.

It’s for anyone living with chronic illness, anyone who’s ever felt unseen, and anyone who’s had to start over—on new terms.

He’s a living reminder that:

Resilience is not pretending you’re fine. It’s facing your reality and adjusting.
Community support changes everything.
You don’t need to look sick to deserve compassion.
Invisible illnesses deserve visible respect.

🔔 Listen to Ernest’s Full Story

🎧 Invisible Strength Podcast — Season 2, Episode 20: Ernest Reyna’s Fight

📌 Chapters Include:

Athletic Identity & Chronic Illness
Diagnosis Journey
Adapting to New Training Methods
The Role of Mental Health & Diet
Finding Strength in Family & Faith
How Humor & Empathy Carry Us Through

💥 Final Words from Ernest

“When you’re out there—on the field, at work, walking down the street—there are people really struggling just to show up. You might not see it, but it’s real. A little more respect goes a long way.”

Let’s carry that forward.

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: Invisible Strength Podcast

📺 Watch on YouTube: 🥇 From Pain to Podium: Ernest Reyna’s Battle with RA & Fibromyalgia 💥 | His Athletic Comeback 🚀

👉 Or search “Invisible Strength Podcast” on your favorite platform!

Dance on, friends,
Karin

P.S. If you live with an autoimmune condition or love someone who does, know this: You’re not alone.

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A collegiate athlete, poised to throw a javelin, with text overlay reading 'Fighting Pain, BUT Chasing Dreams!'

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