DEFYODDS / RECOVERY HUB

Every comeback
has a story.

Real athlete experiences, practical recovery insights, and people who understand the journey.

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01 / ATHLETE STORIES

Built on real comebacks.

Discover athletes who have navigated the setbacks, breakthroughs, and everything in between.

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ACL · VolleyballDiemend RichardsonFrom ACL tear ➔ Becoming an online health & fitness coachACL · RunningBrenda LeighFrom 4 ACL tears ➔ Running the Boston MarathonACL · KarateElisa AuFrom ACL tear ➔ USA national championACL · GymnasticsNatalie KoskoFrom ACL tear ➔ Team USA Olympic dreamsACL · FootballCameron BrosnihanFrom ACL tear ➔ Eastern football championships at age 9ACL · HockeyGemma BrownFrom 2 ACL tears ➔ Winning first place in the Super Sprint TriathlonPro · OlympianMeikayla MooreBorn in New Zealand, 23-year old Olympian, Meikayla Moore, is a professional footballer (soccer player) overseas in Germany for Flyer Alarm Frauen Bundesliga. She…ACL · BasketballIssiah EvansFrom MCL tear ➔ National football championships at age 10MCL · FootballTravis KingFrom MCL tear ➔ Winning ECAC Division III football championshipsACL · BasketballMartin KrampeljMartin Krampelj is an NCAA college basketball forward at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Despite 3 devastating ACL tears, Krampelj refuses to give up…ACL · SurfingShantalShantal is a Spanish surfer who left her hometown in the Canary Islands and moved to Bali five years ago. She has always been…ACL · DanceKristina KorbsKristina Korbs (aka KORR-A) is a music artist and entrepreneur who has always lived a very active life. She is also a performer, model…ACL · MMAAlex BallouAlex Ballou’s biggest dream was always to become a professional MMA fighter, although she felt that it took a long time for it to…Pro · CFLJ-S RoyOffensive lineman, Jean-Simon Roy (also known as J-S Roy), first started playing football at the age of 12 on his highschool team at Séminaire…ACL · SnowboardingJennifer ChristmanJennifer Christman is a 30-year old female snowboarder and mountain biker hailing from eastern Pennsylvania. By career, she is a physical therapist assistant specializing…ACL · FootballClarece StrudwickClarece Strudwick is a 19-year old athlete who has been playing football since the age of three. She grew up on a farm in…ACL · RugbyLene LykkeLene Lykke is a 27 year-old athlete who lives in Uppsala, Sweden with her partner and their one year old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling…Hip · DanceDeborah OryDeborah Ory is one of the creative geniuses behind the NYC Dance Project, which showcases the wonderful world of dance in NYC through world-renowned…ACL · SkiingElla Taylor-TiptonElla Taylor-Tipton is a 14 year-old skier from England and has been skiing since the age of 3. By the age of 5, was…ACL · SurfingSarah De JaegherSarah De Jaegher discovered her passion for stand-up-paddleboarding after moving on from being a semi-professional Tango dancer. For an active individual like Sarah…Pro · Pro soccerMatt PolandMatt Poland has been a professional soccer player for the past 4 years. Prior to tearing his ACL and meniscus, he played for Sporting…ACL · SoccerKatelyn AguilarKatelyn Aguilar is a 17-year old athlete in junior in high school in the US. She plays soccer and is a center forward for…ACL · VolleyballLulu YanezLulu Yanez is multi-sport athlete and has played varsity softball, basketball, soccer, and track & field. Marilu was an All-CIF selection in 2006, 2007…ACL · GymnasticsJulianna BalsellsJulianna Balsells , 22-years old, spent 10 years as a competitive gymnast before retiring at the age of 15. She was involved in a…Achilles · TrackKaylyn Schultz AppleyardKaylyn was a high jumper on the Track & Field team at Baylor University, where she completed her undergraduate studies, as well as a…ACL · HockeyErik OzollapaErik Ozollapa is a semi-professional ice hockey player born in Latvia, and hockey has brought him around the world. Throughout his hockey career, he…ACL · VolleyballLaura AganLaura Agan is a 23-year old athlete who played NCAA Division 1 volleyball at Northwestern State University, and then continued to play in England…Pro · Pro hockeyAdam MunroNamed one of the top 3 goalies in Erie Otters’ History by The Hockey Writers, Adam Munro is a former Canadian professional ice hockey…ACL · SkiingThea FenwickThea Fenwick is a 17-year old freestyle skier from England and started skiing at the age of 2. Since the age of 12, she…ACLNatalie S.Natalie S is the Founder of the fitness and lifestyle blog, Flexx & The City , based in New York City. She was a…ACL · FootballJanelle RattenburyJanelle Rattenbury is a 23-year old athlete from Tasmania, Australia. She has represented her state in cricket, and plays AFL in the Tasmanian State…ACL · BasketballKendall DuncanKendall Duncan started playing basketball at the age of 5 and fell in love with the game. Throughout her entire life, she had dreamed…ACL · LacrosseCharlotte CampbellCharlotte Campbell is a lacrosse goalkeeper and has been playing since she was around 4th grade. Since the age of 6, she has wanted…ACL · SoccerJordi NewmanJordi Newman was a Division I athlete in college, prior to tearing her ACL four times (an XCLevation record!) and has made a successful…Pro · NBA coachBrittni DonaldsonHow adversity helped Toronto Raptors’ assistant coach, Brittni Donaldson, become a better coachACL · BasketballKindyll WettaKindyll Wetta is a sophomore in high school from Colorado and has played sports her entire life. She enjoys snowboarding and paddle boarding… …ACL · BasketballTalia SchwartzTalia Schwartz is a fitness enthusiast, health nut, and baller from New York City. After tearing her ACL, she consulted the orthopaedic team at…ACL · SkiingKaila PirrieKaila Pirrie is a mountain girl to the fullest. She has a passion for rock climbing, biking, skiing, running, and yoga - and was…ACL · SkiingAbbie VosAbbie Vos is passionate about skiing and running and enjoyed an injury-free life, until she was faced with a devastating ACL tear, followed by…ACL · ClimbingChristine JoyChristine Joy is a Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and Yoga Teacher. She tore her ACL stepping out of bed, and is 2 weeks post…ACL · DanceCourtney OdeleinCourtney Odelein is a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher in Toronto. She grew up in a small town of 400 people in the middle…Pro · UFC fighterTom BreeseTom Breese, from Birmingham, England, is a professional MMA fighter currently fighting in the UFC’s middleweight division. His professional record is 11-1 and he…ACL · SoccerAdrian GonzalezAdrian Gonzalez , 27-years old, has a passion for soccer and bodybuilding. In November 2017, he tore his ACL playing soccer and is now…ACLMelissa ChanMelissa Chan is a finance professional who also loves Muay Thai. Before tearing her ACL, she competed as an amateur. Her knee has now…ACL · CheerKarly MerauKarly Merau is a 19-year old professional performer and has been a cheerleader and dancer since the age of 8. She is one year…ACL · SoccerJ.P. HerreraJ.P. Herrera is currently a pilot. Before getting into aviation, he spent 5 years as an army lientenant. He has been playing soccer since…ACL · FootballJ RoundtreeJ Roundtree is a United States Army Veteran who loves sports (basketball, football, and baseball) and making YouTube videos. He loves to help people…ACL · GymnasticsHana BenetkovaHana Benetkova is a 27 year old physiotherapist from Central Europe who loves gymnastics, nature, laughter, and beer. She has made a full comeback…Pro · Pro wakeboarderCarro DjupsjöCaroline “Carro” Djupsjö is a 26 years old professional wakeboarder from Sweden. The summer she turned 13, she spent every minute at the local…ACLDonna McNuttDonna McNutt is a mom, teacher and someone who loves being active. Her two main sports are mountain biking and road biking. Being an…ACL · LacrosseCamille StaffordCamille Stafford was a competitive gymnast for 10 years, and played soccer since she was able to walk, but ultimately chose to pursue lacrosse…ACLJessica FrederickJessica Frederick is a fitness enthusiast, wife, and dog Mom who enjoys helping women find their groove in a balanced healthy lifestyle. As an…ACL · SoccerCamille LyuCamille Lyu is a high school athlete with a passion for volleyball and soccer. She is known for her determination and dedication to achieve…ACLKylie Thibodeau-HarveyKylie Thibodeau-Harvey is a 26 year old, competitive athlete and online entrepreneur. Her main focus is teaching people to think differently to improve the…ACL · FootballAmy BakerAmy Baker is tore her ACL 4 times playing soccer, and has had ACL reconstructions each time. She has been playing soccer since the…Pro · Principal ballerinaDanielle BrownDanielle Brown is a principal dancer with Florida’s Sarasota Ballet, where she trains Monday through Saturday, 9-5pm. She dedicated her life to becoming a…ACL · Martial artsTasha BaberTasha Baber is a 33-year old power-lifter who loves exercise and has lost over 80 lbs in the past two years. She does Brazilian…ACL · VolleyballAnnette GrandolfoAnnette Grandolfo is 36 years old and has been playing volleyball since middle school, and has completed Tough Mudder. She currently works in mental…ACL · GymnasticsOlivia HicksOlivia Hicks is a 19 year old gymnast who started at the age of 6, and absolutely loves it. She is currently studying exercise…ACL · FootballHolly AistonHolly Aiston is a 21 year old Exercise physiology student, and hopes to one day open her own clinic and help others with knee…ACLAndy RoweAndy Rowe is a 39-year old Assistant Chief of a firefighter department. He is also a private pilot and was previously in the army.…ACL · FootballBen HargraveBen Hargrave is a lift engineer, who has always been into sports, especially football. He tore his ACL during a football match, but has…Pro · Pro dancerOnton SeeBorn and raised in Toronto, Onton trained in martial arts since the age of eight, and started dancing at the age of 19. In…ACL · DanceCassie BrownCassie Brown is a 19 year old professional dancer and actress. She graduated with an Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts and started working as…ACL · BasketballDjonas CastilloDjonas Castillo fell in love with the game of basketball after being inspired by Michael Jordan and been playing since the age of 10.…ACL · Obstacle racingLindsay PartenioThe journey of a Ninja Warrior competitorACLJoanna MillerMotocross racer refuses to give up after four ACL tearsConcussionMelissa UrbanCEO of Whole30 shares her journey post-concussionACL · BodybuildingBrianna Jeanette DiazBreaking down to build upPro · BallerinaCharlotte LanningCharlotte Lanning started her ballet training at the age of 10 at the Washington School of Ballet under the direction of Mary Day and…ACL · DanceMichelle MacrohonHip hop dancer shares her journey and 3 key ways it has changed her perspectiveACL · SkiingKit McGinleyA clearer mind: the daughter of an orthopedic surgeon shares her storyACL · Obstacle racingAmanda JenkinsLessons learned along the way: OCR athleteACLAlexandrea Cervantes“As a former collegiate athlete, fitness professional, and current Team USA Certified Trainer, I have had my fair share of injuries. The last thing…ACL · TrackKinta WendtMom-thlete: an overly active, outgoing, positive mom who loves the gymACL · SoccerCicily PorterSoccer player invited to join international team after ACL tearACL · SoccerKerry MorrisHow a bumblebee led to a torn ACLSoccerStephie MeyerThe emotional rollercoaster through 5 knee surgeriesACLChelsea CornishMotivated to become a better coach + playerACL · NetballJane VeamatahauHolding on to dreams of going proACL · SnowboardingWilliam Z.Inspiration through philosophyACL · DanceKarly MerauOpportunity amidst adversityAchilles · TrackStephen GouldOvercoming obstacles as a master's athleteACL · DanceCassie BrownHow the ACL injury made me a better dancer / dance teacherACLRehab as a sport in itselfSo we tore our ACL. We're devastated to find out that we'll be out of sports for about a year. As an athlete, our…ACL · LacrosseErik TurnerNCAA Division I lacrosse player has his sights set on going proACLKarim El KhoulyKitesurfer gains life lessons from ACL injuryACL · Martial artsLauren CuretFighter and opera singer opens up about her journeyACL · BasketballLaura MartinezLaura has 7 years behind her after the first time she injured her knee in 2010 during a basketball game. Her knee recovery journey…ACL · SoccerTaylor DavisHow tearing my ACL changed my perspective on lifeACLTeresa BrosnihanThe journey from a mom’s perspective, after her son tore his ACL at 9
ORIGINAL INTERVIEWS FROM THE XCLEVATION ARCHIVES

Beyond the Comeback.

Selected conversations with athletes and sports medicine professionals about injury, mindset and what comes next.

02 SELECTED EPISODES
EXPERT INTERVIEW 23 MIN 2020

Inside sports medicine with Dr. Paul Marks

A conversation with the Toronto Raptors' then medical director on sports medicine and supporting athletes through injury and recovery.

Listen on Spotify
ATHLETE INTERVIEW 37 MIN 2020

Mindset, injury and reinvention with Miko Fogarty

A former professional ballerina reflects on identity, the impact of injury and finding a new direction beyond performance.

Listen on Spotify

Originally recorded for the XCLevation podcast. These are selected archived interviews, not an ongoing series.

EXPERT PERSPECTIVES

Learn from professionals

Explore existing contributions from rehabilitation and sport psychology professionals.

Rehab Perspectives →Sport Psychology →

Recovery Articles & Guides

Explore 11 practical guides on injuries, mindset, rehabilitation and returning to sport.

Athlete doing a rehabilitation workout in a gym
ACL & Knee

The Mental Side of ACL Recovery

An ACL injury can affect more than physical activity. Explore identity, confidence and finding support.

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Runner training outdoors
Mindset

Feeling Alone After a Sports Injury?

Why injury recovery can feel isolating and how to find people who understand.

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Athlete strength training with a barbell
Return to Sport

Returning to Sport After Injury: Rebuilding Confidence

Returning to sport can bring excitement and uncertainty. Explore confidence and peer support.

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Sports recovery editorial photograph
ACL & Knee

ACL Recovery Milestones: What Progress Can Look Like

Recovery isn't a straight line. Explore meaningful progress beyond the calendar.

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Sports recovery editorial photograph
Mindset

Fear of Reinjury: Rebuilding Trust in Your Body

Why confidence can lag behind strength, and how to discuss it with your care team.

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Sports recovery editorial photograph
Concussion

Concussion Recovery and a Safer Return to Sport

Understand supervised, gradual return-to-sport progression after concussion.

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Sports recovery editorial photograph
Other Injuries

Achilles Tendon Recovery: Managing the Long Game

Build a thoughtful recovery plan without rushing a generic timeline.

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Sports recovery editorial photograph
Other Injuries

Returning to Training After a Shoulder Injury

Rebuild function and confidence while respecting your shoulder injury.

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Sports recovery editorial photograph
Mindset

How to Support a Teammate Recovering From Injury

Small ways to help an injured teammate feel included and understood.

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Sports recovery editorial photograph
Return to Sport

Returning to Sport: Questions to Ask Before Your First Game

Useful questions about readiness, clearance and planning your first game back.

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Sports recovery editorial photograph
Mindset

When Sport Is Your Identity: Finding Yourself During Recovery

Finding your footing when injury changes your routines and sense of self.

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