Blind Skier, 14, Dreams of Heading to the Paralympics

A 14-year-old girl who is blind hasn’t let it stop her from doing what she loves – skiing. 

Abby Duffy picked up the hobby five years ago and quickly mastered it. Now, she hopes to one day compete in the Paralympics. 

Her journey to where she is today wasn’t always easy, however. 

“It was difficult to learn it because I couldn't see what was happening,” Abby told InsideEdition.com. “But whoever was guiding me wore bright colors so I just have to follow the blob of brightness and then I’m fine.”

Abby lost her sight at just 6 years old when doctors said her optic nerve "withered." She now only has peripheral vision, but can still see motion and color variations.

“I've learned from Abby that her blindness is not a disadvantage,” Abby’s dad and coach, Chris Duffy, said. “It's a different advantage. And she has shown me how to have vision even though she's blind.”

Recently, the teen was accepted to the Hartford Ability Equipped program, which focuses on improving access to adaptive sports equipment for those with disabilities. Through that, she received more than $2,000 worth of equipment, including a race helmet, goggles and $1,000 skis.

“It was a big surprise,” Abby said. “They are much closer to what the skis would be in World Cup races so I can get more used to that for when I want to go farther.”

She added: “I am pursing skiing because it’s a thing I really enjoy."

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