Diving with a disability: New video presents Leo Morales’ abilities
About a year ago, I posted an essay about how diving helps people with physical disabilities feel free and weightless. I’ve been fortunate to work with Diveheart, a training agency that certifies both divers and dive buddies and instructors.
But I also had a chance to to write a book about Leo Morales who used diving to recover from having his leg amputated. He was depressed and wanted to give up, but a buddy introduced him to diving as therapy and everything changed for him.
I remember Leo telling me that he had a life expectancy of about five years after the surgery. When that day passed, he realized he was beating the odds.
I first met Leo in Cozumel, Mexico in 2012 the day he completed the world’s longest underwater swim for a disabled diver in the Cozumel Marine Park. He stayed underwater for 8 hours and swam nine miles.
Leo continues to move forward, becoming a cave diver and cave instructor, taking people to explore the cenotes near his home in Mexico.
Just a few days ago, an independent filmmaker shared a short video about Leo that is well-worth checking out. Great diving footage in the cenotes, as well. (It’s in English with Spanish subtitles.)
If you want to learn more about Leo and his life, check out the book I wrote in 2017. Dive-Abled: The Leo Morales Story. Here are links to the book on the publisher’s website and on Amazon.
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