A longstanding Vision Hero of VOC, Joel Gomez was born with blue cone monochromacy, a rare genetic disease affecting the retina which leaves him legally blind.

Not allowing his vision disorder to slow him down, Joel became a Paralympic track and field athlete at the age of 14. Now, at age 19, Joel continues to run competitively for Team USA and is currently training for the U.S. championship meet.

The 2023 U.S. Paralympic Track and Field Championships are to be held in San Diego at the Chula Vista Elite Athletic Training Center and will serve as the qualifying event for two major world competitions: World Para Athletics Championships (Paris, France in July 2023) and the 2023 Parapan American Games (Santiago, Chile in November 2023).

“I am really looking forward to the upcoming competitive season,” Joel told us. “I would love to hear some VOC support out there!”

For any Vision of Children members wanting to cheer Joel on, the U.S. Paralympics Track & Field National Championships will take place May 18-21, 2023 in Chula Vista, CA. Contact us at gabrielle@visionofchildren.org for additional details.

Even with his extraordinary efforts and talent, Joel’s ambitions are not limited to track and field. Currently a Sophomore at Purdue University, he is studying Industrial Engineering with plans to follow his passion of themed entertainment and hospitality. To prepare for this career path, Joel has been proactive in gaining the operations management and optimization skills needed for this field from not only his engineering degree, but from his work as a dedicated member of the Purdue Theme Park and Engineering Design student organization. Staying ahead of the curve, Joel is interested in completing an internship in the Summer!

Keep an eye out for additional updates regarding Joel as he competes in the Track and Field National Championships this coming May.

Let’s go Joel!