Kyle Coon Named USABA Program and SafeSport Coordinator

January 21, 2021

COLORADO SPRINGS (January 21, 2021) – The United States Association of Blind Athletes is pleased to announce Kyle Coon as the organization’s Program and SafeSport Coordinator. In this position, he is responsible for planning, implementing and providing logistical management for various USABA events and programs.

Since losing his sight at the age of 6 from retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer, Coon has become a competitive triathlete, runner, downhill skier and rock climber. In 2006, he hiked the Ankaschocha Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, and a year later summited Mt. Kilimanjaro at the age of 15.

“I’m incredibly excited, humbled and honored to join the USABA team,” said Coon. “Having been totally blind much of my life I recognize the critical role sports, recreation and physical activity play in the life of someone who is blind or visually impaired—especially today. Here at USABA our vision is that every American who is blind or visually impaired will lead a healthy lifestyle by actively participating in sports, recreation and physical activity. Having made the choice to do this in my personal life, I’m excited to help my fellow Americans who are blind or visually impaired do the same.”

After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in communications, Coon became an endurance athlete, competing in numerous marathons and triathlons. In 2018, he was a member of the first team of tandem cyclists with all blind or visually impaired stokers to complete the Race Across America—the world’s toughest bicycle race—racing from Oceanside, Calif., to Annapolis, Md., in seven days and 15 hours.

Later that same year, at Ironman Arizona, Coon became the first totally blind person to complete an Ironman-branded Triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run) in under 11 hours. He continues to push himself physically and mentally as he pursues his goal of representing the U.S. at the 2020 Paralympic Games in the sport of triathlon.

“Whether you are an athlete competing to represent the USA at the Paralympics, a weekend recreation enthusiast, or just beginning your journey into blindness/fitness, we are here to help you along the way because we’re all athletes seeking our own inner champion,” Coon added.

Coon began his duties with USABA on Jan. 11.

ABOUT USABA

USABA is a Colorado-based 501(c) (3) organization that provides life-enriching sports opportunities for every individual with a visual impairment. The mission of USABA is to empower Americans who are blind or visually impaired to experience life-changing opportunities in sports, recreation, and physical activities, thereby educating and inspiring the nation. USABA serves as the national governing body for the sport of goalball, representing the sport as a member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and overseeing the growth and development of the sport while also training and selecting athletes to represent the U.S. in goalball at the Paralympic Games and other international competitions. USABA also provides athletic opportunities in other sports including, but not limited to track and field, Nordic and alpine skiing, biathlon, judo, wrestling, swimming, tandem cycling and. www.usaba.org/

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