Deaf athlete (1)

Here is the month of July and 26more days to the Olympics and 59 to the Paralympics. I was curious to know how many deaf athletes have competed in the Olympics. Then I found out about Terrence Parkin, a top swimmer who holds the African record in 200meter and 400meter individual medley, 2world records and 6deaflympic records.

Parkin, a South African was born deaf and started swimming at the age of 12years old. He communicates with his swimming coach in sign language. To his performing credit, he won a silver medal in the 200meters breaststroke in his first Olympics outing: Sydney 2000. He also won 7gold medals in swimming and a bronze medal in cycling at the 2009 Deaf Olympics Games at Taipei.

In the past, he would rely on his coach to signify when the race is about to commence. Fortunately, modern technology in the form of light flashes has removed the need for him to look out for his coach's sign.

Photo credit: Supersports website