f One Step at a Time / Kaiden Bridges

One Step at a Time

Kaiden Bridges

There are some things you just can’t run from. But that running. doesn’t stop Tony McKinney (‘24) from racing. “When Tony was first diagnosed with the eye condition, The resilient freshman athlete will run for the Fal- his right eye was no longer in working condition,” Lipscomb con’s track team this year. But one thing sets him apart said. “He could no longer play the sports that he had been from the rest of the athletes – McKinney is visually playing such as baseball, basketball, soccer and flag football.” impaired. With the help of another visually impaired student, McK-

“In sixth grade math class I accidentally stabbed myself in inney discovered a sport he still could participate in, which the eye with a pencil,” McKinney said. “My mom and I went was running track. to the doctor, and he told me that I had an Open Angle “I really love running,” said McKinney. “I’ve realized that Glaucoma in my right eye.” you don’t exactly need vision to run.”

Glaucoma is an eye disease that gradually begins to steal McKinney ran track at Fort Mill Middle School, participatvision, and right now, there is no known cure for this condi- ing in the 400 meter and 4x4 events. tion. The doctor explained to McKinney that his life would “Once he realized that he could run, he said that he felt never be the same. like a bird being able to fly for the first time,” Lipscomb said.

“I initially felt really discouraged when I found out about “He felt free and didn’t have to think about not being able my vision,” McKinney admits. to see to do something he liked again.”

But McKinney’s mother Doretha With Nation Ford’s track seaLipscomb leapt into action. “When Tony was first diagnosed, “Once he realized he could son already underway, McKinney couldn’t be more excited. I honestly didn’t have time to feel anything,” she said. “His eye condition was so aggressive that all I could run, he said that he felt like a bird being able to fly for the “Tony is a really hard worker and very coachable,” said track coach Jake Brenner. “He’s comfocus on was trying to get him in to be seen by a specialist to try and first time.” mitted and has been at almost all of the conditioning sessions slow the progression of his vision loss.” –Doretha Lipscomb we’ve had so far.” Even though the outcome of The specialists for McKinney’s condition were all in cities hours away from Fort Mill, including RaZ the spring season is questionable with COVID-19, McKinney still has high hopes for himself and leigh and Charleston. the team this season.

“I had to be positive for him and keep him looking “I’m very excited for the upcoming meets,” he said. “I forward to a bright future even though he could not see like hope we’re able to race and even win some.” he once could, he had to do things a different way now and Despite the unknown, the runners are continuing to work learn it fast,” said Lipscomb. “I am just recently beginning to hard during their conditionings. feel the emotions of him losing his vision and what life looks “Tony has done well so far,” Coach Brenner said. “His like with that loss.” vision is limited to his peripheral, so he knows how to com-

When McKinney was initially diagnosed, it was unclear pensate and use his vision where it’s strongest.” what his future would look like with his impairment. McKinney runs in the farthest left lane, closest to the

“At first when I was told that I was losing my vision, I was field. This way he is able to see the curves in the track due very sad, and felt as if I wouldn’t be able to live anymore. . .” to still having vision in his left eye. said McKinney. “Now, I am beginning to accept this as a part “Tony hasn’t let his vision impairment stop him from doof me and knowing that my visual impairment is not all that ing something he loves,” Brenner said. “You can tell that he I am.” sets goals and goes after them. I think too many people are

One way to cope that McKinney has found helpful is afraid to take risks because they’re scared of failure – Tony