As the Olympic flame inches closer to its next home in Paris this month, we’d like to take a moment this month to highlight ten incredible stories of triumph by deaf or hard-of-hearing athletes in Olympics past. Let’s get ready for Paris 2024 by taking a look back at these exceptional athletes who made their mark on the world stage.
Terence Parkin: The “Silent Torpedo” of South Africa
Among the stories of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the tale of the “Silent Torpedo” stands out. Born deaf, Perkins found a home in the pool at an early age, finding strength in the silence underwater. Representing South Africa in the 200-meter breaststroke, Parkin became a national hero when he secured the silver medal in an incredible race. After the 2000 Olympics, Parkin went on to further cement his place in history by capturing several world records and multiple titles in the years since.
Jeff Float: Making Waves in Los Angeles
Despite losing 90% of his hearing as a child due to meningitis, Jeff Float made sure to leave his mark on the 1984 Olympic Games. As his parents looked on, Float stood on the edge of the McDonald’s Olympic Swim Stadium pool, ready to shatter a world record. Swimming the crucial third leg, Float was crucial for maintaining Team USA’s dominant lead on their way to a new world record. Widely considered one of the seminal moments of US Swimming, Float’s team record would last into the 90’s.
David Smith: The Volleyball Virtuoso
For years, David Smith had been a fixture of US Men’s Volleyball. Appearing in multiple Olympic Games, Smith overcame his profound deafness through a mix of sign language and lip reading. Following a dream through high school into an Olympic berth, Smith’s adaptability and skill earned him a bronze medal at the 2016 games in Rio De Janeiro.
Tamika Catchings: Basketball’s Golden Lady
Born with a hearing impairment, Catchings credits her early years playing basketball for giving her the strength and confidence that would become a hallmark of her legendary career. Daughter of legendary 76er Harvey Catchings, Tamika demonstrated from an early age that she was also a force to be reckoned with. With four consecutive gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016), Catchings has since become an outspoken advocate for at-risk youth, creating the Catch the Stars Foundation in 2004 to provide mentorship, positive programming, and support in the Indianapolis area.
Chris Colwill: Diving Into Dreams
Appearing at both the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics, Chris Colwill hasn’t just survived but thrived in a world built upon split-second timing. Starting at age six, Colwill quickly proved his natural talent. Throughout his career, he was able to consistently demonstrate the ability of deaf athletes to compete at the Olympic level. Today, he mentors young athletes with hearing impairments, paying his success forward.
Carlo Orlandi: Italy’s Silent Boxer
Nearly a century ago, Italy’s Carlo Orlandi made waves in Amsterdam as he stepped into the boxing ring. In an incredibly competitive lightweight division, Orlandi demonstrated outstanding skill and strategy on his way to clinching the gold medal in 1928. Becoming a trailblazer for deaf Olympic athletes, Orlandi’s triumph opened doors for future generations to pursue their dreams and passions at the Olympic level.
Lauren Barwick: Inspiration on Horseback
In addition to being deaf, Lauren Barwick also suffered an accident that left her a paraplegic. Finding it difficult to adjust, it wasn’t until she discovered para-equestrian sports that she finally felt like she was hitting her stride. Representing Canada in multiple Paralympic Games, Barwick has won both gold and silver medals in dressage. As an advocate for greater inclusion in sports, she uses her profile to empower others to find triumph through adversity.
Michael McKillop: The Running Pride of Ireland
A national hero in his home of Ireland, Michael McKillop has become an inspiration to athletes with multiple disabilities worldwide. Born with a hearing impairment, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy, McKillop has appeared in four Paralympics so far, competing in both the 800m and 1500m races. His dedication and hard work have resulted in several gold medals and world records, making him one of the most accomplished athletes in Irish history.
Rebecca Meyers: Swimming Against the Tide
Facing hearing loss, blindness, and balance problems, Rebecca Meyers is a shining example of the illusory character of limitations. Born with a rare genetic disorder called Usher Syndrome, Meyers found her freedom in the water. Today, Meyers continues to advocate for accessibility and allyship in athletics.
Adam Rippon: Gliding Through Adversity
Even before the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, Adam Rippon had established himself as one of the world’s very best figure skaters. Despite being born with 80% hearing loss and overcoming several health challenges as a child, Rippon has garnered renown for his bronze medal in 2018, a national championship performance in 2016, the Four Continents Championship in 2010, and his back to back Junior World Championships.
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Stories like these show us that even with hearing loss, anything is truly possible. These ten athletes shattered more than world records; they broke stereotypes and inspired generations to follow them.
You don’t have to win a gold medal to inspire, though. You can improve your quality of life and help inspire those around you to seek testing and treatment if you suspect hearing loss. Reach out today to schedule an exam at Colorado Ear Care so you can enjoy the sights and the sounds of these Olympic Games.