From Bedbound to Champion: Michael Divel’s Comeback Story

About this episode

Michael Divel shares his inspiring journey from a life-changing spinal cord injury to competing in adaptive sports.

At 22 years old, Michael Divel experienced a life-changing spinal cord injury after a tragic accident at a Fourth of July party left him with a T-12 complete SCI. What followed was not only the challenge of paralysis, but a brutal years-long fight against a stage 4 pressure wound complicated by MRSA and bone infection — resulting in 10 skin flap surgeries, months confined to bed, and some of the darkest moments of his life. In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the realities of pressure relief, pressure wounds, wheelchair seating, and survival after spinal cord injury. Rico Segovia ATP/QRP also breaks down the insurance criteria surrounding pressure relief equipment and custom wheelchair cushions, explaining why proper seating technology can literally become lifesaving for wheelchair users. Despite years of setbacks, Michael refused to quit. Today, he’s back competing at the highest level of adaptive sports and helped lead the Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks to a 2025 NWBA Championship. We first met Michael at the Ocean Drive 3-on-3 Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Corpus Christi, and after hearing his story, we knew this conversation needed to be shared. This episode is…

People in this episode

Hosts: Rico Segovia ATP/QRP, Rico Segovia ATP

Guest: Michael Divel

Topics covered

• resilience
• pressure wound awareness
• adaptive sports
• mental toughness
• spinal cord injury
• wheelchair seating

Keywords

• spinal cord injury
• pressure wounds
• adaptive sports
• wheelchair seating
• mental toughness
• resilience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Arkansas Rolling Razorbacks

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