Living Well With Vision Loss – E-Workshop – Moving Beyond Sight
Para athletes on sport, community and living well with vision loss
For many people, losing their sight brings a deep sense of loss. Giving up driving, relying on others and adjusting to new ways of doing things can feel overwhelming. But in our latest Living Well with Retinal Vision Loss session, Moving Beyond Sight, five South African para athletes showed that life can still be full of challenge, purpose and joy.
The session was hosted by Linsay Engelbrecht, Retina South Africa’s Head of Special Events and Para Sports. Linsay is a former South African and African para triathlon champion, represented South Africa at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and will compete at the World Bowls Championship in New Zealand in 2027.
Kathleen Flanagan: Learning to trust
Kathleen thought her sporting life was over when her vision changed in her thirties. Members of her running club showed her otherwise. With volunteer guides, a tandem bicycle and a lot of early mornings, she went on to complete two half Ironman events and two full Ironman races. She described her first full Ironman as “the best day of my life”.
Heinrich: Sport as a lifeline
Heinrich played almost every sport at school and has built a 23-year career as a data engineer while co-owning two businesses. When he lost more of his independence, sport kept him going. Today he helps other visually impaired people get into cycling and triathlon. “Sport is a lifesaver,” he said.
Michelle McFarlane: Small steps count
Michelle has competed in judo, fitness competitions and two para surfing world championships, and has been the South African para surfing champion. She spoke honestly about a difficult season in her life and how she found her way back, one small movement at a time. Her reminder: goals don’t have to be world competitions.
Alani Ferreira: Finding where you belong
Three-time Paralympian Alani was once nicknamed “lane zero” for being the slowest swimmer on her team. Today she is training towards 2028. For Alani, the water is a place of freedom, and para sport gave her a community where she belongs.
Linsay Engelbrecht: Saying yes
Linsay never saw herself as disabled until Retina South Africa offered her an entry into Ride for Sight in 2020. That one yes led to triathlon, the Commonwealth Games and, more recently, national gold medals in lawn bowls.
Get involved
As Linsay put it, there are great opportunities for blind and visually impaired people in South African sport. Ride for Sight returns on 21 February 2027, and experienced tandem pilots are ready to welcome first-time riders.
Listen to the full session on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/VYIj1mItURI
The stories shared in this session are personal, and the views expressed may not reflect those of Retina South Africa. For medical advice, please consult your medical professional
