High spirits, high scores!

When Michael was 10-months-old, he was diagnosed with meningococcal disease. He had to have both legs amputated and skin grafts that have left scars all over his body.

This little fighter would survive, but it would be a long road ahead.

14 years later, Michael charms his friends and family with a cheeky sense of humour, which of course makes him a perfect star for Juiced TV!

To celebrate ‘World Amputee Awareness Week’ we filmed with Michael at the Logan City Tenpin Bowling Centre, where he has been bowling in the ‘Odd Balls League’ for four years.

Michael’s developed a competitive technique with his custom-made bowling ball, and loves to celebrate a good bowl in style with a ‘dab’! It’s easy to see that doing the things he loves like gaming, swimming, and bowling is what keeps Michael in high spirits.

“He has such a positive outlook on life and there are so many things he does that keep him smiling,” said Athol, Michael’s dad.

Michael loves to fuel the State of Origin rivalry between he and his dad by constantly reminding him of how many titles NSW has lost, and like many 14-year-olds, he’s a big fan of the Gold Coast Titans, playing Minecraft, Nintendo Wii and hanging out with family and friends.

Michael has met many of his closest friends at Amp Camp in NSW, a three-day experience for Australian teens with amputation, limb loss and limb difference. And in true Michael style, has set himself a big goal for the 2018 camp next March– he wants to walk confidently in to Amp Camp on his new prosthetic legs (that are Star Wars themed!).

“He will need to do a lot of physio and rehab. He has the basics of walking with prosthetics but will still need to put in a hard effort,” said Athol.

We have no doubt that Michael will be able to achieve this goal with his determination and positive mind set, and will look forward to keeping up to date with his progress.

This certainly won’t be the only time we see this teenager on our Juiced TV screens!

Catch Michael’s sweet skills in this week’s episode right here!