There is a big difference to someone being born with vision loss, to a kid having vision loss, to a senior having macular degeneration and losing their sight.

I think what I represent is achieving what you want in life. It's a matter of your attitude. Some people have a negative attitude, and that's their disability.

People suddenly expected less of me and I didn't want that. Not only could I keep up with sighted kids, I could excel. I have an intense competiveness that was always in me.

Sometimes parents limit the experiences their kids will have, saying they are going to fail they can't ride a bike or do sports.

Don't listen to negative influences. Believe in yourself, and show others what you can do. Only you can find your potential.

It was a very strange, disappointing race in that no one wanted to take it out. That's why I took the lead. I wanted some people to run the real distance and that was frustrating. So I took the pace around the second lap, which in some ways is suicidal...but I wanted the pace to be honest.

If all you do is make excuses, then that is how people see you. Make your strengths visible.