‘True Life’ star continues to overcome paralysis

MTV crew films Miami University student for reality show.
Lifestyles
By Hannah Poturalski
Nov 26, 2011
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OXFORD — Paralyzed at age 17, Derek Zike has transitioned from playing ice hockey to studying to be a sports psychologist.

Zike, now 19 and a sophomore at Miami University, said he was playing in an hockey tournament Jan. 16, 2009, with a Chicago Fury minor midget team when he tripped and ran head first into the field’s boards, breaking his neck. He was in intensive care for three weeks before moving into rehabilitation.

Zike shared his story on MTV’s “True Life: I’m Rehabbing My Injury,” which aired in September 2009. This week, the television show came to Oxford to film another segment on Zike and his progress.

MTV camera crews were in Oxford on Nov. 18, filming Zike for an episode updating viewers on his progress. Zike was filmed at a pre-game event for the hockey series against Bowling Green State University, around campus and at Stadium Sports Bar & Grille.

Zike is a sports studies major at Miami and hopes to eventually become a sports psychologist, helping athletes rebound from injuries.

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About the Author

Hannah Poturalski