When Xavier Marsh was 13 years old, he lost his central vision due to a rare condition called Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, which has no cure.
Marsh, now 16, is legally blind today because of this, but the Coronado High School athlete does not let that stop him from competing in track and field, cross country, skiing and mountain biking.
Marsh said his ability to do the things he loves comes down to two words: mental strength. He believes his natural competitive drive pushes him to find a way.
“I have the will to not let this disease define me, and I am determined to live my best life no matter what the world throws at me,” Marsh said.
Where most might give up or make excuses, he finds a way, and the head cross country coach, George Green, has witnessed that kind of fortitude first hand.
Marsh said he once recommended the book, “Consistency is Key” to his team because it is full of valuable advice for long distance runners.
“Xavier’s mom thought that she’d be able to find an audible version, but one isn’t available,” Green said. “Xavier, however, typed out the book line by line so he could convert it to an audible version of his own. That’s when I knew he was special.”
The 16-year-old said he was able to do this with help from his teacher for the visually impaired from Coronado High School. Marsh credits his parents for helping him compete despite his vision impairment.
Phil Groom.
“My family helps me to succeed in the sports I have chosen, such as cross country, by helping to ensure the course is well-marked and that I am able to navigate it successfully even with my vision impairment,” Marsh said.
Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy is a hereditary condition with no known cure. It typically causes vision loss during the teens or twenties, progressing over a period to six months to a year. After stabilizing, vision often is reduced to 20/200 with a loss of sight directly ahead and, for some, an inability to see colors.
Marsh said his vision actually gets worse when he runs, becoming more hazy.
He explained he has to scan back and forth in order to find the next marker in the race. He came across one race that had a hill steeper than anticipated. He said he fell down the hill and slashed open his leg, but still was able to limp his way to 13th place.
Despite these challenges, Marsh stays remarkably active and credits friends for providing collective motivation.
On Thanksgiving day, Marsh will be a participant in the Coronado Turkey Trot, supporting the division of ophthalmology at Rady Children’s Hospital.
“Due to the rare disease of Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, I have regularly seen a neuro-ophthalmologist at Rady’s and I was honored to support their efforts to benefit this department with the hospital,” he said.
As the Turkey Trot approaches and the cross country season churns ahead, Marsh said he’ll continue to run.
“I love running because, on the harder days, sometimes just going out and working through the stress… is really healthy and helps me,” he said.
