Local athlete making waves
Michael Roberts, 52, of Boothbay overcame serious adversity to bring home Gold with doubles partner Robert Barrows at the April 22 Woodlands Spring Classic Pickleball Tournament at the Woodlands Country Club in Falmouth, Maine.
The event attracted 219 participants from all over New England. Mike and Robert entered the Men's Doubles 4.0 tournament along with 17 other teams. They bested each of the teams in their 6-team pool, earning admission to the playoff round against the other pool play group winners. In the semi-final, they faced a formidable team from Saco.
Known for his athleticism and attacking style, Mike jumped high to defend a lob midway through the match and landed awkwardly, his ankle twisting severely as he came down. Play was stopped, and the tournament director attempted to usher Mike off the court to seek medical attention. But Mike would have none of it. He and his partner Robert adjusted their strategy and somehow managed to squeak out an 11-9 win to advance to the final.
In the final, Mike and Robert faced an undefeated team who had run roughshod over the competition. Lacing up his ankle brace as tight as possible, Mike hobbled onto center court with his partner to play for Gold. Calling on the tenacity and toughness Mike was known for as a Seahawk multi-sport athlete in the late 80s, Mike and Robert shocked everyone in attendance by piecing together a gritty 11-8 victory!
Adding even more mystique to his accomplishment, Mike had his ankle x-rayed soon after the tournament and learned he had indeed fractured it. Be sure to tip your cap to Mike when you see him around town sporting a protective boot on his injured ankle.
We wish him a speedy recovery and hope he's cleared some space in the old trophy case for his new hardware.
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