 My name is Kevin Frost. I was born in Victoria, British Columbia on June 16th, 1967. In 1972 I moved to Ottawa with my family enrolling in Blackburn Public and Emily Carr schools. It was during these years that my deafness was discovered, grade six to be exact. I only had 25% of my hearing. I then went to Gloucester High School and successfully graduated in 1986.
My deafness did not stop me from being active in my community. I had a paper route for 8 years during school years then straight into full time work after graduation in a large grocery chain store for 16 years. I loved sports, especially hockey, so much so that at the age of 10 I began refereeing.
I have three healthy children, Madison, Montana and Mitchell. Friends noticed that I was walking into chairs, walls, kids’ toys and knocking things over. I agreed to get it checked out so on March 7th, 2002 I went to the eye specialist for the results of the many tests taken. He told me that I had Usher’s Syndrome type 2. This syndrome takes your hearing early and eventually your vision. Currently I have 15% hearing (90 decibels) and 8% tunneled vision (like looking through a hole the diameter of two pencils). This was a life altering moment. I could still referee hockey (Refs are blind anyway Ha! Ha!) but my driver’s license was immediately taken away and for liability reasons my employer could no longer have me working there. I thought I’d hit a cement wall in my life!
My life had to take a complete turn. My life's dreams and goals had to change. With the help of my family, friends, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and Nemo (my Canadian Guide Dog), I began to get my independence back. A friend, Ron Guerard, asked if I would be interested in speed skating. I knew the difficulties that would now be involved with such a sport, but with encouragement I decided to give it a try. After 100 hours of long track at the big oval at Brewer's Park and short track at the Ottawa Arena, I realized I still had a love and talent on ice...after all I did referee over 20,000 hockey games in my career!!
My coach is Ron Guerard, whose father was a World Champion speed skater. With his knowledge, background and experience I know that he will help me achieve my new goal of becoming a Gold-winning Olympian Speed Skater!!
Ron is my technical and dry land coach but I also have on team Annick Forgues, Ken Wetzel, and Nancy and Heather Godsoe, who have lots of speed skating experience. A very important part of my training is my physical condition. My fitness trainer is Dan Guay who himself has 10 years of speed skating experience. Dan will train me and coach me into top shape condition and to the Olympic level. That means 6 days a week!
With all of my support team behind me, I know my dream and goal to be the first Deafblind speed skater to achieve a winning medal at the Olympics will one day come true. This goal will also help me raise awareness to others who have disabilities, and tell them that if you have dreams you can reach them if you have the will and the heart. Also, there is support out there. Find it and don't be afraid to ask or accept it. I am on a fixed disability income so to achieve my dreams I have to turn to public sponsorship for financial assistance towards my goal. Sponsorship is for equipment and competition expenses.
My dream of being a winning Olympic Speed Skater is not just for me. It doesn't stop at coming home with a gold medal. It goes on to supporting others to accomplishing their dreams. I want to be a mentor, a role model to future goal achievers. Perhaps begin a foundation…
To all those who support me with encouragement or financially: I thank you with all my heart.
Kevin Frost
Meet Kevin, and support his Olympic dream, at http://www.deafblindspeedskater.com.
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