Meet Adaptive Athlete: Rob Bickel

Rob grew up in El Cajon, California and like a true Cali kid, spent a lot of time outdoors with friends. He played football and baseball as well as riding BMX while growing up. Graduating in 2010, Rob answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Army. 

 

During his tenure in the military, Rob rose to the rank of Captain as an infantry officer in the 82nd Airborne Division. He deployed to two combat zones in Afghanistan during his ten years and retired in 2020. After his separation from the Army in 2020, Rob started to feel like something was wrong and began losing feeling in his lower body. 

 

By July of 2021, Rob’s body had almost completely shut down and he lost control of bowel function and pelvic floor control. His body quickly deteriorated and he had lots of trouble walking and controlling himself over the next couple of years. Doctors finally discovered that he had a fractured L4 which was contributing to his condition. 

 

While at ATF, Rob hopes to strengthen his body and mind in order to regain his routine and sense of normalcy. He wants to feel in control of his physical body again.