Michael A. Davis
Michael A. Davis (born November 11th, 1986) is an American Para-cyclist. Davis joined the US Navy in 2005 and trained as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician. An accident in the line of duty left him disabled and medically retired from the US Navy.
Biography
Davis enlisted in the US Navy in 2005, embarking on a path to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician. Shortly, before his graduation and subsequent deployment to Afghanistan, he experienced an accident in the line of duty. His accident resulted in multiple injuries, including four fractures in Davis’s neck, anorectal trauma that necessitated a colostomy bag, complete damage to his left arm, significant leg trauma, and other minor injuries. These injuries rendered him 320% disabled, leading to his medical retirement.
Davis was in critical condition and remained in a coma, with medical professionals expressing doubts about his chances of recovery. He struggled immensely, attempting suicide on seven occasions. His hospitalization spanned over a year, followed by another two years of rehabilitation. During his time in the hospital, Davis conceived a novel medical advancement, for which he is currently awaiting patent approval. This ostomy invention holds the potential to benefit over a million individuals globally.
Davis, facing the realization of not achieving his aspiration to become a proficient bomb squad technician led him to question his value. After many years, in 2014, Davis discovered the para cycle (an upright trike). Davis transitioned to riding a trike due to his physical limitations, he encountered significant challenges, including multiple falls and an injury that shattered his kneecap. Following these setbacks, he sought a specially designed Paralympic-eligible trike with two front wheels, custom-built by a company in Oregon. His custom-built trike was the sole one of its kind participating in international racing events. This specialized adaptation significantly enhanced his balance, effectively preventing any further falls throughout his tenure using the trike.
Davis’s passion for cycling was central to his journey to glorify God, which he hoped to do with his cycling career. Davis participated in a race in 2021, and although he underestimated the course by more than half, he finished the challenging 22.5-mile race fast enough for him to become a professional cyclist, supported by the VA for his endeavors in competitive cycling.
Davis competed in 3 World Cups, then achieved a bronze medal in Australia at his 4th World Cup where he had full sponsorship from Team USA.
Personal Life
Davis got married to Beatriz, who was his caregiver in rehab. They married on November 11th, 2011 and have four children together.
