Michele Schmidt

Yeoman Senior Chief Michele Schmidt’s life turned on a dime in 2019. Pain radiated through her arms and her hands swelled like baseball mitts. Within weeks, it spread to all of her joints and limited her mobility, prevented her from sleeping, and affecting all manner of her daily life.

She was finally diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disease caused by an agressive form of breast cancer. Four years later, with dozens of surgeries, hospital stays, and therapies later, she is a survivor. Being part of the adaptive sports program through Navy Wounded Warrior has allowed Schmidt to set, and meet, new goals and keep pushing beyond her limits.

“I am so grateful and delighted to be here today and have the opportunity to compete with Team Navy! I’ve taken so much for granted, but when simply eating and relearning to walk become what seem to be insurmountable challenges, you learn how to value and appreciate the smallest victories,” she said.

At the 2024 Warrior Games, Schmidt will compete in cycling, indoor rowing, swimming, and track