A blind 26-year-old has found success in the most unlikely of places.
England’s Lee Hoy began training in MMA when he was 24 to learn self-defense, but he quickly fell in love with the sport and now competes against sighted opponents.
“I’m a totally changed person because of the sport,” Hoy told the Shields Gazette. “I can walk the streets with my head high.”
Hoy has been blind since birth due to a condition called toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a parasite infection in the retina.
Hoy can see a little, but to what extent depends on glare, distance and depth.
“Close range and in grappling, it’s not as bad. I can hold onto the other person, and I feel more comfortable,” Hoy said, adding depth perception is really difficult to get used to.
“It’s amazing to see what he has achieved,” said Feruz Hussain, the head coach of Hoy’s training center, Fighitng Fit. “He didn’t believe he would able to do any of it when he first started.”
Hoy earned bronze medals at his last two grappling competitions, and is scheduled to appear in a boxing demonstration on August 8. He hopes to inspire others–including his visually impaired friends– to pick up the sport.
“When I was young, I was told I’d never be able to read, write or ride a bike, or even go to school.” Hoy said. “I did all of that, and I’m trying to push myself further now.”