Michael Haddad is a Professional Athlete, inspirational speaker, adventurer and social entrepreneur with a rare and unique case; 75% of his body is completely paralyzed, and walking in his case is a medical impossibility; yet he created three world records in walking and climbing. He has been highly honored and recommended from the President of the Lebanese Republic, Army commander in chief, Lebanese parliamentary sports and human rights committee, and many other universities, syndicates and international entities.
At the age of six, he was subject to a spinal cord injury from a Jet Ski accident, which left him paralyzed from the chest down. He walks by carrying his body one step at a time while strapped into 12 kilogram steel (Thoraco Lumbo Sacral Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthesis) or braces that were initially designed to hold up his body making him stand upright for short periods of time. Due to his strong will and determination; Michael was adamant that there was no such thing as an absolute barrier or handicap. For him, nothing was impossible, and on October 24th, 2013 and for the first time ever Michael broke what was to be the first of many records. He carried himself on a 60,000 steps or 19 km journey, surviving all natural obstacles sometimes in sub-zero temperatures. He took his first step in the mountains of Lebanon, Bcharre Cedars, and walked step by step until he reached the Tannourine Cedars reserve 3 days later.
The other outstanding achievement was On June 8th, 2014 on World Oceans Day, where he climbed the Raouche Rock. Breaking barriers once again, he carried his universal message of hope, peace, optimism and values: Going beyond the limits through pushing personnel boundaries, endurance, responsible and positive attitude.
On March 8, 2015 Michael achieved his third world record by climbing the Black Summit or Al Qornet El Sawda the highest point in Lebanon and the Levant, at 3,088 meters above sea level under the training and supervision of the Lebanese Army Rangers Regiment.
Michael has an international agenda to fulfill in the near future; he is working on a research in collaboration with a team made up of the Lebanese American University (LAU), Phoenix Energy, Order of physical therapists of Lebanon and Orthotics professionals and engineers to develop an exoskeleton which is capable of enhancing the life of people suffering from a spinal cord injury.
In addition to that, he is working on many international events where one of them is to walk in the North Pole.
At the age of six, he was subject to a spinal cord injury from a Jet Ski accident, which left him paralyzed from the chest down. He walks by carrying his body one step at a time while strapped into 12 kilogram steel (Thoraco Lumbo Sacral Hip Knee Ankle Foot Orthesis) or braces that were initially designed to hold up his body making him stand upright for short periods of time. Due to his strong will and determination; Michael was adamant that there was no such thing as an absolute barrier or handicap. For him, nothing was impossible, and on October 24th, 2013 and for the first time ever Michael broke what was to be the first of many records. He carried himself on a 60,000 steps or 19 km journey, surviving all natural obstacles sometimes in sub-zero temperatures. He took his first step in the mountains of Lebanon, Bcharre Cedars, and walked step by step until he reached the Tannourine Cedars reserve 3 days later.
The other outstanding achievement was On June 8th, 2014 on World Oceans Day, where he climbed the Raouche Rock. Breaking barriers once again, he carried his universal message of hope, peace, optimism and values: Going beyond the limits through pushing personnel boundaries, endurance, responsible and positive attitude.
On March 8, 2015 Michael achieved his third world record by climbing the Black Summit or Al Qornet El Sawda the highest point in Lebanon and the Levant, at 3,088 meters above sea level under the training and supervision of the Lebanese Army Rangers Regiment.
Michael has an international agenda to fulfill in the near future; he is working on a research in collaboration with a team made up of the Lebanese American University (LAU), Phoenix Energy, Order of physical therapists of Lebanon and Orthotics professionals and engineers to develop an exoskeleton which is capable of enhancing the life of people suffering from a spinal cord injury.
In addition to that, he is working on many international events where one of them is to walk in the North Pole.