Blind Vacaville Man Heading To South Korea For World Powerlifting Championships
VACAVILLE (CBS13) — A Vacaville man will soon be heading to South Korea to represent the United States as a blind powerlifter in the world championships.
He's not your typical vision of a competitive weightlifter. He can't see, but just walking in to the gym for a workout, Nick Gasaway shows he has a world-class will to overcome just about anything.
"I've been totally blind for almost 12 years now," he said.
Gasaway has optic nerve atrophy. He is 100 percent blind.
That doesn't prevent him from dropping his cane and lifting heavy, heavy weights.
He's a powerlifter in training for the International Blind Sports Federation's World Games.
"Your body gets used to things after a while, especially when you're blind," he said. "You learn how to go by feel. and powerlifting is very much by feel for me."
Gasaway has no coach. He pats and sweeps his hands to feel his surroundings before lifting all on his own.
"I'm really fidgety when I lift; I have to touch everything. I have to make sure everything is perfect," he said.
From across the gym floor, you might not notice the blind powerlifter. He can't see, but it's not stopping him.
"It's a part of me. It's part of who I am, and I don't think you should use aspects of yourself as an excuse not to experience life," he said. "I'm gonna do this because people think I cant do this, because I can't see."
Gasway works at the Travis Air Force Base Recreation Center. He also works on the base, and has a wife and three kids who will be rooting for him.
