Thomas Guidon (WWU) invited to compete at Deaflympics

[rainbowgirl28]

http://westernfrontonline.net/200903131 ... nal-stage/

Freshman vaults to international stage
by Amanda Halle
Friday, March 13, 2009

Western freshman Thomas Guidon poses in his vaulting stance March 5 at the Bellingham Sportsplex. Guidon plans to compete in the Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan this fall. photo by Hailey Tucker
Not many collegiate athletes are given the opportunity to represent their country in an international competition recognized by the International Olympic Committee as equal to the Olympic Games. But Thomas Guidon, Western freshman pole-vaulter for Western’s track and field team, will be doing just that this summer.
Guidon has been invited to compete in the 2009 Deaflympics and will have an opportunity to use his skill on a whole new playing field.

Approximately 4,000 deaf athletes, representing more than 100 different countries are expected to attend this September's Deaflympics, which are being held in Taipei, Taiwan, said Thomas Withrow, president and coach of the U.S. Deaflympics track and field team.

In May of 2008, Withrow discovered Guidon’s pole vault talent by word-of-mouth and contacted him, offering him the opportunity to participate in the Deaflympics. Guidon will be one of two pole-vaulters on the U.S. track and field team, which is comprised of approximately 26 deaf American athletes, Withrow said.

Guidon is one of approximately 20 deaf students currently attending Western and the only deaf athlete, said Kim Theissen, Western’s deaf services coordinator. Guidon said 98 percent of the people he knows are hearing people, so he is excited to be given the opportunity to travel and meet other deaf people from around the world.

“Deaflympics is a chance for me to learn more about the deaf culture, as well as a chance for me to meet a lot of new friends at the same time,” Guidon said.

One significant difference between the Olympics and the Deaflympics is that the Deaflympics do not receive funding from the U.S.

Olympic Committee, Withrow said. However, the Paralympics, which are the games for paraplegic athletes, receive approximately $11 million from the U.S. government to sponsor athletes for each event. On the other hand, athletes competing in the Deaflympics have to find sponsors on their own, or pay $4,500 out of pocket for air fare, lodging and other competition fees.

Guidon sent letters to local businesses requesting sponsorships and explaining that the donations are tax deductible, but he has not received any responses.

Already facing the reality of paying off school loans, Guidon said he does not think he will be able to afford the trip if he does not find a sponsor.

But he said he is remaining optimistic about sponsorships and is hoping for the best.

Guidon became involved with athletics at a young age by playing sports such as soccer and football. He is red-shirting on Western’s track and field team this season to recover from a sprained ankle that he said should be completely healed by June. Guidon began pole-vaulting during his junior year at Bothell High School and said he loves the thrill he gets from it.

“I like pole-vaulting because it gives me an amazing rush,” he said. “When the pole throws me extremely high into the air, I almost feel like I am flying.”

Deaf from birth, Guidon said he has lived his life in the “hearing world.” Along with being the only deaf member of his family, Guidon said most of his friends and people he communicates with every day, can hear.

Although Guidon can use sign language, he said he prefers reading lips and speaking rather than signing during a conversation with a hearing person. When his friends and roommates ask, Guidon said he teaches them words in sign language—some appropriate and some not. Guidon said he also often uses Web video, e-mail, Facebook and text messaging to communicate with friends and family.

Guidon said he chose to come to Western rather than the University of Washington because he is more comfortable in a smaller class setting. He said he is currently interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business. Western pole vault coach Dick Henrie said in his 30 years as a volunteer coach for Western, he had never worked with a deaf athlete until Guidon arrived. Although Henrie has known Guidon for less than a year, he said he has already experienced Guidon’s positive attitude and determination to do well.

Withrow said the criteria for choosing athletes for the Deaflympics involves taking the scores of the athletes who came in fourth place for each event over the past two Deaflympics and averaging them. When Withrow discovered Guidon, he was well above that average with a 13.9 inch pole vault, which will give him a strong chance to earn medals, Withrow said.

The Deaflympics, which like the Olympics, has summer and winter games, began in 1924, making it the second oldest international sport competition next to the Olympics. While some deaf athletes do compete in the Olympics, Withrow said there are very few.

Withrow, who was once an athlete and is also deaf, said he thinks the Deaflympics are important because they give deaf athletes a common ground on which to compete.

“Being deaf is a barrier we face every day,” he said. “[The Deaflympics] give us a chance to feel equal.”

Guidon’s goals for the Deaflympics competition are to perfect his vault technique, learn and come home with a medal. As far as the experience, Guidon said he is excited to learn more about deaf culture.

“I view [the Deaflympics] as a way to broaden my world view and grow from the experience,” he said.

[chasing6]

I see and work with Tom on a regular basis, and he's a fantastic person. Easy to coach (although it is sometimes hard to get his attention during workouts for obvious reasons), and very hard working. Best of luck in raising funds and most of all in competition!