Abigail Robinson: "I've never felt so empowered or encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and push to my limits." | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Abigail Robinson: "I've never felt so empowered or encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and push to my limits."

Abigail Robinson GB Paraclimber

84
Abigail Robinson: "I've never felt so empowered or encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and push to my limits."

Abigail Robinson is an athlete who competes on the GB paraclimbing team. Robinson suffers from Stargardt macular dystrophy (Stargardt disease), as described by her.

"My visual activity is 1/60, so I have to be 1 metre away from the chart in an opticians office to read the biggest letter. My peripheral vision is not affected, which is good for special awareness and picking up movement. It's my central vision that's responsible for colour and detail that is affected, and I have a big blind spot in the middle of my vision."

However, she hasn't let her disability stop her. Robinson has climbed ever since she was thirteen years old, even after her diagnosis at the age of seventeen, she was determined to do what she loved. Robinson competes in the B2 category, which is for people with a visual acuity of 1/60-2/60 or a visual field of less than five percent. After joining the Great British paraclimbing team in 2018, Robinson has won the World Cup in 2018, the paraclimbing masters in 2019, and is the 2-time reigning world champion in her category.

Not only has she exceeded in her competitive career, Robinson yet again breaks boundaries in her professional field. Her visual impairment has not prevented her from studying Digital Media at university. She is in her final year of study, has completed a year in industry, and has designed her personal website.

Robinson has also been nominated for the Rebel women of Sunderland campaign, in her home city. Robinson stands alongside activists, politicians, and other athletes as a part of Heritage Open day to celebrate the achievements of women from the city.

After speaking to her, I asked if there was any advice she would give to young people struggling with disabilities or having to face challenges in their own life. This was her response;

"It's very easy to feel alone and isolated when you have a disability, but there are more people out there than you think. There are tonnes of disabilities, like mine, that are totally invisible. I found it very easy to refuse any support and shy away from getting involved in any kind of disabled sport or organisations because I wasn't quite ready to admit that my condition affected me all that much. But, accepting support is in no way admitting defeat. It's allowed me to do all the things I used to with ease and comfort and now I feel more able than ever. Getting involved in disabled sports and organisations has allowed me to meet some truly inspirational people, I've never felt so empowered or encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and push to my limits."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190029
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14789
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457772
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26583
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments