Reflecting on this summer's Olympics in Paris, we remain inspired by the incredible achievements of athletes from around the world. This year, we had the privilege of witnessing remarkable performances from deaf and hard of hearing athletes who showcased their exceptional talents and determination. In this article, we’re excited to highlight seven standout athletes who not only excelled in their sports but also served as powerful role models, demonstrating the extraordinary talent within the deaf and hard of hearing community. Their achievements shine a light on the importance of representation and inspire us all to push boundaries and pursue our dreams.
Aaron Small, a standout athlete in sprint kayaking at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has transformed his early struggles into a story of inspiration. Diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss at four, Aaron once hid his hearing aids but now proudly wears bright blue and green ones, symbolizing his journey of self-acceptance.
Small's passion for sprint kayaking began at the age of 11, providing him with a vital outlet for his energy and a new community of friends. The sport not only fueled his ambitions but also opened doors to numerous opportunities and experiences. As he competed on the global stage in Paris, Aaron’s presence was a testament to the strength and potential of athletes with hearing loss.
Today, Aaron Small is driven by a mission to inspire and represent the next generation of young athletes with hearing loss. His journey from hiding his hearing aids to becoming a role model on the world stage embodies the power of embracing one’s uniqueness and achieving greatness despite challenges. Aaron hopes to be the role model he wished for as a child, proving that with determination and self-acceptance, anything is possible.
David Smith, a four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic bronze medalist in volleyball, exemplifies determination and excellence. Born with severe hearing loss, Smith relies on lipreading to communicate with teammates and coaches. His team has even adapted a special rule: if Smith calls for the ball, he gets it.
Smith's volleyball journey began at age 14 as a summer hobby but quickly turned into a passion. Recruited by John Speraw, then head coach at University of California, Irvine, Smith’s talent propelled him to the national stage.
Recognized as a role model in the deaf community, Smith’s story highlights how overcoming challenges is possible with dedication. As he shared with Olympics.com, "If I care about something, there’s a way to manage it, to figure it out." His achievements continue to inspire countless others to pursue their dreams.
Drew Kibler, a two-time Olympian and silver medalist in men’s swimming, has made a big splash in the sport. Hailing from Carmel, Indiana, Kibler was born with hearing loss and uses hearing aids and lipreading to communicate effectively with coaches and teammates.
Kibler’s passion for swimming started early—he was in the water by age three and began competing at seven. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kibler swam the third leg of the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, helping Team USA secure the silver medal. This achievement was especially meaningful for Kibler, as it marked a redemption after the relay team’s fourth-place finish at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Kibler’s success not only showcases his athletic prowess but also highlights his resilience and determination, inspiring others with hearing loss to chase their own goals.
Emma Meesseman, a two-time Olympian and star player for the Belgian Cats, is a testament to exceptional talent and perseverance. Born with only 50% of her hearing and moderate hearing loss in both ears, Meesseman has relied on hearing aids since childhood.
Athleticism runs deep in her family—her mother, Sonja Tankrey, is a celebrated Belgian basketball legend. Following in her footsteps, Meesseman has carved out her own legendary status in the sport. Known for her versatility, leadership, and competitive spirit, she has become a role model for aspiring athletes around the world. Meesseman’s achievements on the court are matched by her impact off it, demonstrating that determination and skill can overcome any challenge.
Australian swimmer Meg Harris has made waves both in and out of the pool with her remarkable achievements and resilience. Diagnosed with moderate hearing loss in both ears, likely due to nerve damage from an illness in her youth, Harris has faced unique challenges throughout her swimming career.
Unable to wear her hearing aids while swimming, Harris often struggled with hearing the whistle to get on the starting block or the starting gun for her races. Despite these obstacles, she adapted by timing her starts with the other swimmers and has since trained herself to better hear the start gun.
Harris made a striking Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games, where she clinched two medals: gold in the 4x100 meter freestyle relay and bronze in the 4x200 meter freestyle relay. Her success continued at the Paris Olympics, where she won gold once again in the women’s 4x100 meter freestyle relay. Harris’s perseverance and innovation in overcoming her hearing loss have solidified her as a standout athlete on the global stage.
Indian golfer Diksha Dagar has made an impressive mark on the world stage with her incredible talent and determination. Born deaf and using hearing aids along with lipreading, Dagar was introduced to golf at just six years old by her father, a colonel in the Indian army. Her journey from a young enthusiast to a competitive golfer is a testament to her dedication and resilience.
Though Dagar has competed in only three major championships, she has made notable strides, climbing from a ranking of 400 to 165th in the world. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she finished 50th after a challenging final round, including a three-putt on the 18th green that affected her standings. Despite this, Dagar has showcased her prowess and determination on the global stage.
In addition to her Olympic achievements, Dagar has excelled in the Deaflympics, winning two medals, including gold in 2021. Her bright future is fueled by the support and inspiration she draws from her deaf fans, motivating her to continually strive for excellence in her sport. Dagar’s remarkable journey is a powerful example of overcoming challenges and achieving greatness.
Australian soccer player MacKenzie Arnold, the talented goalkeeper for the Matildas, showcased her remarkable skills at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Diagnosed with hearing loss in April 2023, Arnold is navigating life with hearing aids, a recent adjustment she approaches with a positive and grateful attitude. She has been diligently training with her hearing aids a few days each week, adapting to this new aspect of her life and continuing to excel on the field.
Arnold’s Olympic journey began in 2016 in Rio, where she made her debut and later became a key player in the Matildas' campaign that saw them finish fourth in the Tokyo Olympics. Her resilience and commitment to her sport, even amidst new challenges, highlight her strength both on and off the field. Arnold’s determination to adapt and thrive with her hearing aids reflects her dedication to her role and her team, continuing to inspire with her perseverance and excellence.
The recent Olympics showcased an array of remarkable athletes, and we are excited to continue celebrating the incredible talent within the deaf and hard of hearing community. To see more outstanding performances, don’t miss the upcoming Deaflympics, which will highlight even more extraordinary athletes.
This August 10, 2024, marked a significant milestone for the Deaflympics, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD). Originally known as the International Silent Games, the first Deaflympics took place in Paris and has grown into a global event uniting over 2,500 athletes from around the world.
The 2025 Deaflympics will take place in Tokyo from November 15 to November 26. The games will feature a diverse range of sports, including swimming, tennis, volleyball, golf, basketball, and many more. Stay tuned for updates and join us in celebrating the achievements and talents of deaf and hard of hearing athletes from around the globe!
InnoCaption provides real-time captioning technology making phone calls easy and accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Offered at no cost to individuals with hearing loss because we are certified by the FCC. InnoCaption is the only mobile app that offers real-time captioning of phone calls through live stenographers and automated speech recognition software. The choice is yours.
InnoCaption proporciona tecnología de subtitulado en tiempo real que hace que las llamadas telefónicas sean fáciles y accesibles para la comunidad de personas sordas y con problemas de audición. Se ofrece sin coste alguno para las personas con pérdida auditiva porque estamos certificados por la FCC. InnoCaption es la única aplicación móvil que ofrece subtitulación en tiempo real de llamadas telefónicas mediante taquígrafos en directo y software de reconocimiento automático del habla. Usted elige.
