Disability Sport & Self-Acceptance | James Ledger
Today I am joined by James Ledger, a Welsh T11 100m sprinter and sports massage therapist, who works closely with Disability Sport Wales.James was born with bilateral coloboma, leaving him with less than 5% vision, which detrimentally impacted his confidence. As a youngster, he felt isolated, insecure, whilst routinely attempting to fit within societies unrealistic perception of “normal”, hiding away from his disability.Fortunately, following a talent identification event held by Disability Sport Wales as a teenager, James was introduced to athletics. Focusing upon the individual sport provided a sense of unfamiliar independence and freedom – an opportunity for James to thrive, re-establish his identity and find a purpose. James highlights how his sporting endeavours ultimately transformed his life. The transition from a previously insecurity-fuelled lifestyle, hiding away... to competing globally, acquiring independence, studying at university and forming meaningful relationships with likeminded individuals.Also in this episode, James discusses the stigmas and stereotypes he faces, provides insight into the reality of life with a visual impairment, the preventative barriers to disabled sport participation as well as his future ambitions.