Illness claimed Admasu Akalewold’s sight when he was just eight years old.
But the Kenyan refugee doesn’t let his disability hold him back – he even defies the odds to help others.
On Sunday 5 March the Dandenong resident participated in the YMCA Swimathon at Noble Park Aquatic Centre.
The annual event raised funds to help others living with a disability to become more active, healthier and happier through swimming.
Admasu was not able to swim when he arrived in Australia with his family in 2010.
He was hesitant to get in the water due to his disability, but that changed when he joined Dandenong Oasis and started swimming lessons.
When those lessons ended, Admasu joined a weekly aqua group for vision disabled swimmers with Oasis instructor Rodney Benstead and gained confidence in the water.
Oasis member engagement co-ordinator Sarah Woodcock said Admasu was an inspiration to all involved.
“At the YMCA we believe people with a disability deserve to learn to swim and be safe in and around water and Admasu is a great example of what can be achieved,” she said.
“He has overcome a huge barrier to take part and help others and that is an awesome achievement.”
