Mikel Vandello
2012
For Mikel Vandello, a childhood passion for square dancing unexpectedly opened the door to a lifelong journey in adaptive sports—a world she never knew existed. Struck with polio at just eight months old, Mikel grew up with leg paralysis in a family of ten children whose lives revolved around sports. Her parents made sure she was included in family athletic activities, but they soon realized that Mikel had a deeper drive—she wanted to compete.
That competitive spark first found an outlet when Mikel joined a local competitive square dancing team. Through that experience, she met others who introduced her to wheelchair sports—activities she had long dreamed of trying. Once she discovered what was possible, Mikel’s determination soared. With the encouragement and guidance of Joe Gomez, her track and field coach at Craig Hospital in Denver, she embraced basketball, track and field, and swimming, quickly evolving into a standout athlete.
Mikel’s talent and dedication propelled her to the highest levels of competition. She played for the Chicago Wheelchair Bulls for many years and represented Team USA at the 1976 Paralympic Games in Toronto. She also competed internationally at the Stoke Mandeville Games in England, the Pan American Wheelchair Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and world competitions in Japan and France. Along the way, she set a World Record in the Shot Put, solidifying her reputation as one of the top field athletes of her time.
It was at the Pan Am Games in Rio that Mikel met Don Vandello, a fellow Team USA athlete and outstanding competitor. The two married and became a powerhouse couple in adaptive sports—Don continuing to lead the Wheelchair Bulls and Mikel dedicating herself to coaching with the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA).
Beginning in 2004, Mikel coached basketball, swimming, and field events for GLASA, finding deep fulfillment in nurturing the next generation of athletes. “I feel like I blend in with GLASA,” she said. “By being part of GLASA, I’ve become part of a big and supportive family.” Her warmth, commitment, and generosity touched everyone around her. Parents and athletes alike often thanked her at practices and competitions for her unwavering encouragement and care.
Even outside the gym, Mikel’s dedication never wavered—she was known to host practices in her own backyard, staying out with athletes until the sun went down. Through her coaching, mentorship, and example, Mikel Vandello transformed lives, proving that passion, perseverance, and heart are the true measures of an athlete.