With the support of her family and Vision Australia, the dream of competing at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games is one step closer for Bowen State High School student, Kyra Domrow.
Kyra was first approached by Athletics Australia to receive distance coaching in preparation for the games after breaking the national record in shot put and javelin at the All Junior National Championship in March. Kyra is now the under-20 national record holder of these events.
She has continued her success on the field, winning one silver and four gold medals at the Commonwealth Bank Track and Field State Championships in October.
As the next step in her journey to Rio, Kyra will compete at the Australian All School Championships from 5-7 December in Adelaide.
Kyra’s athletic success has been achieved despite her being born with a condition called Oculocutaneous Albinism. Kyra has always had medium-to-low level vision, but over the last two years her sight has decreased and she now experiences tunnel vision.
“I want to be an Australian Paralympian and my target is to make my way to the games in Rio,” said Kyra.
“Training is a commitment and a job. It takes up most of my free time and also my mum’s time as she is my coach. Each week I do three sport specific training sessions as well as three gym sessions.
“The training that I receive helps me get better at what I like doing. Most of all I like meeting new people at all the events. It’s the remarkable things we achieve that make it all worthwhile.”
The Domrow family approached Vision Australia for assistance in 2012. The services delivered by the organisation since then have collectively focused on Kyra’s physical health, personal wellbeing and growing her independence skills.
Craig Hardy, Client Services Manager Vision Australia, said that some of Kyra’s care is delivered by qualified health professionals through videoconferencing, funded by the Department of Social Services.
“In the pursuit of Kyra’s athletic goals she has received personalised training from her physiotherapist in video sessions,” said Craig.
“The sessions are interactive and with a busy school schedule, are more convenient. Justine, Kyra’s mother, is part of the training team and she also joins the sessions.
“The Vision Australia team are extremely proud of Kyra’s achievements and we look forward to seeing her win more gold in two years’ time.”
Vision Australia supports children who are blind or have low vision and their families through a range of specialist services. For more information contact Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66 or visit www.visionaustralia.org.au
Media contact: Vanessa Sandhu, Communications Advisor, 0422 302 790, [email protected]