I was very pleased to read about the ACU award for Kathryn Wardle. I have seen her ride in a number of trials over the last couple of years, she is a great competitor and a credit to the sport.

I didn't realise she was deaf!

I spoke to her a few months ago at a Richmond trial where she must have been thinking "If I smile and nod politely - he might go away"

My brother is profoundly deaf so I know how hard it can be to lip-read someone who keeps turning away and not speaking clearly. Next time I see her I'll explain that I'm a bit thick at times

(shut it BS, Ishy, Perce, Andy, HL and all the other wind-up merchants)

PS

Well done Kathryn...

Edited November 11, 200421 yr by Kinell

Her older brother Paul is also profoundly deaf, he's decent on a bike as well.

Her older brother Paul is also profoundly deaf, he's decent on a bike as well.

Some on here will remember Crawford Carrick-Anderson from his SSDT days. He too, was deaf and a damned good rider (and a great ski-er). Last I heard of him downhill mountain biking was his thing.

Personally, I believe it's due to their other senses being more finely attuned. They learn through feeling the bike rather than listening to it and, as such, it becomes more of an extension to their bodies rather than a seperate entity they're fighting to control.

</profound>

Disclaimer: This may, of course, be total bollox.

I didn't realise she was deaf!

I spoke to her a few months ago at a Richmond trial where she must have been thinking "If I smile and nod politely - he might go away"

My brother is profoundly deaf so I know how hard it can be to lip-read someone who keeps turning away and not speaking clearly. Next time I see her I'll explain that I'm a bit thick at times

(shut it BS, Ishy, Perce, Andy, HL and all the other wind-up merchants)

PS

Well done Kathryn...

Kathryn has Cocular Implants so can distingush sounds quite well. I have talked to her and her Mum a number of times and Under most circumstances You wouldn't know she was deaf. Like all really talented people she makes no fuss about it and just gets on and rides! Dorothy is rightly proud of her and Paul.

Firstly I'd like to congratulate Kathryn on this fine achievement, and I know a lot of people will be very pleased for her on receiving this award

But what I'm really wondering is if anyone out there thinks she is a better rider than her brother Paul- and whether she will get a Scott spoon before he does-I personnally think so......!

What's the point of debating who is the best rider. Both Kathryn and Paul are extremely tallented and have worked hard to achieve what they have, and deserve all the recognition they get Do they really need us entering a totally pointless and futile debate as to who is, or will be, the best. Let them enjoy their sport and leave sibbling rivalry where it belongs, in the family!