This Sports Eye Safety Month, some of our incredible mentors and athletes are sharing their experiences of sport, the challenges they’ve faced, how they have adapted their sport to meet their needs, and the passion they have found along the way.
Finding My Sport
Hi, I’m Sasha. I’m 17, and I’ve been training in TAGB (The Tae Kwon-Do Association of Great Britain) Taekwondo for the past ten years. I’m also a Youth Ambassador for British Blind Sport (BBS). I have Oculocutaneous Albinism, which means I experience a variety of eye conditions, including Photophobia, which can make the world like a bright disco ball, Nystagmus, Scotoma, and a lack of depth perception.
When I was younger, I knew I wanted to take up a sport. My older brother was already training in Taekwondo, so I decided to join him—and I’ve never looked back. Over the last 10 years, I’ve trained, sparred, and competed, working my way up a First Degree (1st Dan) Black Belt. Now, I plan to train as an umpire and help with gradings.
What Taekwondo Has Given Me
Taekwondo has been a huge part of my life. It’s shaped my confidence, discipline, and taught me to persevere when things don’t go my way. The sport has shown me the value of respect and determination. It was also my escape from the stress of GCSEs, giving me a place to focus my energy and clear my mind. I wouldn’t be the same person today without it.
Adapting Taekwondo for My Visual Impairment
Being visually impaired means I’ve had to make some adaptations in my training:
- During gradings, I stand at the front so I can see the instructors demonstrating moves without straining my eyes.
- My instructors support me by helping with learning new patterns. I watch them model the moves closely to understand them.
- I’ve had to adjust my sparring techniques, as my opponents without visual impairments can often react faster than I can.
Taekwondo has always been something I have enjoyed, and though it can be difficult, I love a challenge!
Advice for Visually Impaired Young People in Sport
Find a sport you enjoy. When you start, attend a few sessions to see if it’s a good fit. You should look forward to it each week, and allow it to challenge you. A sport should inspire you.
For accessibility, you should be open and talk to your instructors. Let them know about your needs so they can support you. Most coaches and trainers will want to help and ensure you get the most out of your experience. Making sure they are aware and have a general understanding of your needs will allow them to find ways of making the sport or activity work for you.
Pushing Through and Growing Stronger
Taekwondo has been a huge part of my journey, and while it hasn’t always been easy, I wouldn’t change a thing. Sparring has been particularly challenging at times, as fully sighted opponents often have quicker reactions and greater accuracy. However, I’ve never let that hold me back. I love my sport, and I’m incredibly proud to have earned my Black Belt at a young age.
If you’re visually impaired and thinking about trying a sport—go for it. You might just find something life-changing.
Stay tuned for the next blog in our series, where another LOOK Mentor and athlete shares their story.