Washington & Lee Swimmer Suffers Spinal Cord Injury on Vacation in Alabama

Washington and Lee College freshman swimmer Devin Bateman is present process rehab after struggling a spinal twine damage on April 17.

The 18-year outdated Bateman was on trip in Gulf Shores, Alabama on April 17 when he dove into the water within the ocean head-first. He hit his head and misplaced motor management.

He was airlifted to Ascension Sacred Coronary heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, the place he underwent surgical procedure. He was identified with a C5 spinal twine damage and at current doesn’t have the usage of his legs.

He’ll now endure rehab on the Sheppard Heart in Atlanta, Georgia for 7 to eight weeks earlier than returning house to Fredericksburg, Virginia.

A fundraiser has been began by household pals to assist assist his medical payments and the price of his rehab. As of posting, greater than $84,000 has been given by 778 donors.

Bateman grew up in Virginia coaching with a number of membership groups, together with the Rappahannock Y Swim Workforce, Regency Park Swim Workforce, and most just lately the Nation’s Capital Swim Membership (NCAP): the nation’s largest membership workforce.

He swam scholastically in highschool at Stafford Senior Excessive, the place as a senior he was the VHSL runner-up within the 100 yard fly (50.72) and Third-place finisher within the 50 free (21.40). He additionally swam on title-winning 200 medley and 200 free relays in 2021.

In his freshman season at Division III Washington and Lee College, he was a three-time particular person finalist. He positioned Third within the 100 fly, 4th within the 50 free, and seventh within the 200 fly.

He was a part of a formidable freshman class for the Generals that led the workforce to a convention title in February. The workforce completed 1-2-3 within the 100 fly, together with fellow freshman Reese Nelson inserting 2nd.