Foley overcomes obstacles to compete as Zumwalt North athlete

Fort Zumwalt North sophomore Ashley Foley is a fierce competitor and strong athlete despite being able to see only a slim margin of peripheral vision on her right side.

I dont see myself as being any different than anyone else, Foley said. I know what I can do and what I am capable of doing. I want to show everyone that I am no different.

Foley, who has been visually impaired since birth, is a member of the schools cross country, swimming and track teams despite being legally blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary degenerative disease of the retina.

Fostering a love for sports

Foley has participated in track and swim meets since kindergarten.

I love track, Foley said. Im a sprinter, and thats what I am good at.

Weve been traveling all over the country in Paralympics competitions since she was eight or nine years old, Ashleys dad, John Foley, said. Theres no trepidation on our part. We know she can handle anything she puts her mind to doing.

Like many other athletic students, Ashley Foley wanted to compete at a high school level.

She doesnt want to be seen as a novelty item, John Foley said. She wants to be seen as a regular athlete. Its been like that since I could ever remember. She just loves to compete. ... If you see her compete, most of the time, people dont even realize it, except for minor adaptations that have to be made.

Ashleys upbringing might have a lot to do with her intrepid nature.

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Foley overcomes obstacles to compete as Zumwalt North athlete