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

86
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.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24390
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10191
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7479
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments