PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS WITH A SIGHTED GUIDE

By: Ashley Eisenmenger

Terms to Know Athlete – blind or visually impaired

person competing in the sport Guide – sighted person assisting the

athlete Tether – any object that connects the

athlete and guide such as a rope, bungee chord, piece of fabric, shoelace, etc.

About Me

In this photo I’m with one of my guides after the Houston Marathon. We are wearing medals around our neck and my tether is hanging on my left hip.

Student Triathlete

One Olympic distance Three sprint distance

Endurance runner Marathon finisher Boston qualifier

Sports That Use A Guide Track and Field Cycling (tandem bike) Triathlon Open water swimming And more!

RolesAthlete Guide Takes direction from

guide Advocate for themselves

and educate guides on what their needs are

Sets the pace of the event – it is the athlete’s race and they drive the experience

Alerts athlete to upcoming obstacles and obstructions such as potholes, curbs, turning left or right, etc.

Acts as the eyes of the athlete

Alerts athlete to remaining distance, current pace, etc.

Swimming

In this photo two athletes stand with their arms around each other waiting to start the swim. The yellow tether is visible around each of our inner thighs. There is a sign that says wave 30 paratriathletes.

Open water vs Pool Tether at the waist or

thigh Tether is typically 1

meter in length or shorter Not much verbal

communication

Open Water Swimming with a GuideTwo women in bright green swim caps are swimming side by side in Lake Michigan. The tether is not visible. The athletes are in synch with the guide closest to the camera and the athlete to the right of the guide. The athlete is slightly ahead of the guide.

Tandem CyclingPilot – front seat Stoker – back seat

Braking Steering Gear shifting Communicates the

course layout and cues turns as they approach

Provides power Sets the pace Remains sturdy and

avoids shifting Leans in the direction the

pilot cues

Tandem CyclingTwo women are riding on a tandem bike. Pilot and stoker pedal in synch on a red tandem bike as they ride by a lake on a concrete path. Both athletes have similar body positions and are wearing helmets.

Running Athletes run tethered to guides Tether at the waist, wrist, or hand Tether is varying in length

RunningTwo women are crossing the finish line of a triathlon. The guide is positioned slightly behind the athlete just as they cross the finish line. The tether is visible, but in this photo the athlete and guide are close enough together that there is not tension on the tether.

Triathlon Triathlon combines swimming, biking,

and running The same guide is used for the entire

race Typically the guide has to be the same

gender as the athlete

It’s More Than Just Exercise and Sports Promotes self advocacy Increases confidence Promotes health and wellness Self Awareness Improves communication skills Encourages socialization Teaches goal setting

Resources United States Association of Blind Athlet

es Challenged Athletes Foundation Dare2Tri Paratriathlon Club Catapult United in Stride Blind Stokers Club