PDC native Joe Delagrave preps USA Wheelchair Rugby team for Paralympics

As a kid growing up in Prairie Du Chien, Joe Delagrave’s childhood was centered around sports.

"Through middle school it was basketball, football, baseball, swimming, a little pond hockey," Delagrave said.

Joe ultimately chose football, competing at the college level just a couple hours from home at Winona state. But after his freshman year with the Warriors, Joe’s career took a detour in 2004.

"That summer I was out on the boat with a couple of buddies. My buddy ended up hitting the bottom of the river, I flew backwards and hit my head which led me to being paralyzed from about the chest down, so that was kind of a 'life is over moment.'"

But life wasn’t over for Joe. Instead, it was just getting started and as it’s always been for the PDC native, sport once again became the driving force for his next chapter.

"What really helped me is about a year and a half after my accident found the sport wheelchair rugby," Delagrave said.

Joe eventually turned a passion into a professional career and wheelchair rugby became the avenue for a Wisconsin kid to earn Olympic medals along the way.

Joe spent 13 years as a pro, and competed in two Paralympics, winning the bronze medal in 2012 and the silver medal in 2020.

After retiring from the sport four years ago, Joe made sure not to stray away too far. He quickly took over as interim head coach of the USA Wheelchair Rugby team before permanently getting the job in 2023.

"That’s been a joy and something where I think I found a true purpose in it," Delagrave added. "It’s fun to be on the sidelines. It's a little nerve-racking because you have no control of what’s going on once the whistle blows but it’s been a really fun challenge for me."

On top of getting ready for the upcoming Paralympics in Paris later this year, Joe continues to share his story all around the world.

Whether that’s inspiring his own players or motivating others, Joe’s ultimate goal is to help as many people as he can.

"I think it’s really important to use your platform for a better purpose and be really selfless, and if we can make a difference in our lifetime and for the next generation, and the generation after that for spinal cord injuries, I’m a happy man," Delagrave said.

Delagrave has been an ambassador for Red Bull Wings for Life since 2018-a charity that is focused on finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.

The 2024 Wings for Life World Run will be held this upcoming Sunday, May 5th, with 100 percent of the entry fees going toward spinal cord research. To find out more about the event, and how you can help, please click here .

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