Meet Adaptive Athlete: Michael Watson

Michael grew up in Cowtown USA also known as Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated high school and then enlisted in the United States Army where he served for four years as a petroleum supply specialist. 

 

During his time in the Army, Michael developed a passion for weightlifting and began competing in powerlifting competitions on base. During a competition in May of 2023 on a base in Poland, Michael was squatting over 500 pounds when his right quad gave out and the bar crushed him, rolling over his neck and fracturing his C-6. 

 

After the injury, Michael has been to multiple rehab facilities and programs around the DFW area to regain his strength and clear his mind. He notes that he has struggled mentally to come to terms with his injury and life in a chair. He hopes to use ATF ReDefine to continue to build up his strength in order to be able to play with his kids one day.