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

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.

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.

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.

If you want to be known for whom you are as a person, then your responsibility it to make your qualities more visible. I believe if you don't you are becoming a victim.