|
Originally from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, I moved to Tallahassee FL. in 1995 after serving four years in the U.S. NAVY to attend Tallahassee Community College. In December of 1996, while visiting family in Ft. Lauderdale, I was caught in a domestic dispute between my father and step mother, which resulted in me being shot in the head leaving me completely blind. Eight months later, I received training and my first guide dog from Southeastern Guide Dogs, which enabled me to re-enter Tallahassee community college. I continued to receive valuable skills utilizing the services of organizations, such as the Lighthouse of the Big Bend, Center for Independent Living and Florida Division of Blind Services. Four years after loosing my sight, I decided that I would re-acclimate myself to the physical fitness side of life that I had been so involved in, running track in high school or staying fit while serving in the NAVY prior to becoming blind. With the support of my wife, family, friends and the community, I completed my first triathlon (swim, bike and run) in March 2001. I was immediately hooked! I found a sport that challenged me both physically and mentally. With a sighted guide I compete in the physically challenged blind category by swimming beside or behind my guide while tethered by a bungee cord around each of our waists, bike using a tandem (bike built for two) and by running beside my guide again tethered with a bungee cord around my waist. Only four months after my first triathlon, I qualified and competed for team USA at the 2001 International Triathlon Union World Championships in Edmonton, Canada. Since that time, I have continued to challenge myself in not only sprints, but Olympic (.9 mile swim, 25 mile bike, 6.2 mile run) and half IronMan distance (1.2, 56, 13.1) triathlons. In June 2005, I competed in my first IronMan (2.4, 112, 26.2) triathlon in Idaho. It was an amazing experience and all captured on film for a documentary called Victory Over Darkness about myself and two other blind athletes and our history making attempt to finish the Ironman . For me, life has always been an adventure worth pursuing and living to the fullest. I was determined in 1996, losing my sight wouldn’t change that. It didn’t, since from that time I’ve: adapted to blindness, learned to snow ski, married, competed in triathlons, graduated with a degree in computers, and held a professional job. I also volunteer, speak publicly, currently own my own company and am a proud father to my three year old son.   
"Life is what’s in front of you, live it!"Links of Interest:
|