Meet Adaptive Athlete: Mike Cox

Michael was born in Dallas, TX where he found a sense of freedom by participating in rock climbing, powerlifting, and mountain biking throughout his youth. He attended Wylie highschool, graduating in 2004 and going on to enlist in the United States Marine Corps.

 

Michael spent five years in the Marines, with a combat deployment to Iraq and another to Japan. During his time in the Marines, Michael sustained a traumatic brain injury and was diagnosed with PTS or post-traumatic stress. Reaching the rank of Lance Corporal, Michael became a team leader within his unit before his separation. 

 

After getting out of the military, Michael was diagnosed with colon and appendix cancer in 2022. During the treatment process which included nine chemotherapy sessions, he developed trigeminal neuralgia which is a chronic nerve pain condition that affects the face. This causes loss of function in the left side of his body, sight and hearing. 

 

Michael hopes to use his 9 weeks here at ATF to gain his confidence back and strengthen his mind to understand that he can still be a strong man post injury.