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           Decathlete Determined to Make Comeback

By Alex House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

        Photo Credit By Alex House

 

 

KINGSTON, R.I._ Mike DiMambro, a senior at the University of Rhode Island, refuses to let a career threatening injury derail his hopes of being a successful decathlon athlete. DiMambro, 21, had realized that he was gifted in Track and Field back in the fourth grade when he was still living in his hometown of Essex, Vermont. Things like running, jumping, and throwing came naturally to him.

 

His versatility made him a perfect fit for the decathlon. It was something, however, that he did more because it was practical rather than something that he really enjoyed doing. It was not until he was in Essex high school that he learned to appreciate it.

 

DiMambro embraced the individual aspect of his sport. The pressure falls only on one person which is something that gave him the motivation to succeed. “It is challenging being by yourself, but I just push harder,” DiMambro said. It was a lot easier to make the sport a top priority when DiMambro received interest from colleges, in particular the University of Rhode Island.

 

DiMambro had known friends from his home state that went to URI and raved about their Track and Field program. DiMambro had several conversations with Uri track athletes from Vermont, prompting him to call the exchange the “Vermont-URI Pipeline.”

 

One pal was kind enough to recommend DiMambro to the coach who was thoroughly impressed from what he saw. He displays a combination of grace and power which is an ideal skill set for the decathlon which led to him earning a scholarship to compete at URI.

               

DiMambro had high hopes when he began his collegiate athletic career. He was well conditioned, but his body was still not immune to injury. A stress fracture in his foot ended the indoor season for DiMambro. The setback was not a serious one, but it did take a mental toll on the student athlete.

 

Eventually he got his rhythm back. His speed and agility was better than ever as he effectively leapt his way over hurdles, hurled disks, and stretched his body over a bar that can be up to twenty feet tall with only a pole to navigate himself out of trouble.

               

 His hard work earned him a spot at the 2012 Junior National Championships in Oregon where he not only competed, but excelled. His memorable performance earned him a fourth place finish in decathlon. It was an impressive feat for a redshirt freshman who got off to a rough start. DiMambro could not help but smile as he remembered that day. “It was my greatest moment,” DiMambro said.

               

 

 

                     Slideshow by Alex House

The young decathlete was on a roll until he once again suffered a severe injury. DiMambro suffered another stress fracture, this time in his back. It was a big disappointment that he described as “a killer.” He felt an overwhelming amount of pain at the slightest movement.

 

“It was very frustrating not even being able to bend down to pick something up,” DiMambro said. The long road to both mental and physical recovery caused him to have a lot of self- doubt as he wondered if he could return back to form. It required him to persevere more than ever. “I knew I had to buckle down and get back,” DiMambro said.

                 

 It was during this time of self- reflection that DiMambro switched his major from Kinesiology to Journalism. He figured if injury cost him a shot at being a world class decathlete, then he should have a back-up plan that still allows him to do something he loves. Covering sports as a writer or broadcaster could give DiMambro that opportunity.

 

He still strives for excellence in Track and Field, but he also enjoys other sports as a fan. “If I cannot physically do what I love, I want to share it with others,” DiMambro said.

 

The decathlon is still the focus of DiMambro for now. He has put the lost 2013 season behind him which was very hard for him to do. DiMambro is too old now for a repeat appearance at the Junior Nationals, but still hopes to qualify for a prestigious spot in National Championships as well as break 7,000 points in the decathlon.

 

The indoor season will commence shortly and through DiMambro’s dedication he has guaranteed the possibility that is dream can be fulfilled. He continues to set new heights for himself, both figuratively and literally. 

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