Born: 1985 (Bend, Oregon)
Biography:
Rachael Scdoris /səˈdɔərɪs/ was born on February 1, 1985, in Bend, Oregon. She is an American dog musher and cross-country runner, best known for her groundbreaking achievements in the world of sled dog racing. Despite being born with congenital achromatopsia, an uncorrectable visual disorder that has left her with 20/200 vision and total color blindness, Scdoris has defied all odds and become a trailblazer in the sport.
Scdoris first discovered her love for sled dog racing in 1997 when she competed in her first race, the Frog Lake Race, where she placed an impressive fourth. This early success fueled her passion for the sport, and she went on to win several local short-distance races. In 2001, she made history by becoming the first legally blind person and the youngest musher to complete the 500-mile (805 km) International Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race.
One of the highlights of Scdoris’s career came in 2002 when she had the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch for the Winter Games. This symbolic gesture showcased her resilience and determination to overcome any obstacle in her path. The following year, Scdoris set her sights on a new challenge: the legendary Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
In 2003, Scdoris made a groundbreaking request to the Iditarod Trail Committee under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Her request was approved, granting her special accommodations to compete in the rigorous Iditarod. This decision opened the doors for athletes with disabilities, showing that anyone with the necessary skills and determination should be given the opportunity to participate in the race.
To qualify for the Iditarod, Scdoris competed in the 350-mile (563 km) Race to the Sky in Montana in 2004, where she placed an impressive 11th. She then went on to finish 6th in the 400-mile (644 km) John Beargrease Mid-Distance Marathon in Minnesota. These achievements solidified her position as a formidable competitor in the world of sled dog racing.
In 2005, Scdoris embarked on her first Iditarod, accompanied by her visual interpreter Paul Ellering, who helped navigate the trail conditions via radio or shouting. Unfortunately, technical difficulties with the two-way radios and a number of crashes forced Scdoris to abandon the race midway. However, this setback did not deter her determination to conquer the Iditarod.
The following year, in 2006, Scdoris made history by becoming the first legally blind person to complete the grueling 1,049+ mile (1,600 km) Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race across the state of Alaska. Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, including falling asleep while mushing and becoming separated from her visual guide, Tim Osmar, Scdoris relied on her instincts and persevered. Guiding her team over jumbled ice and open leads, she eventually made her way to the Koyuk checkpoint, guided by the lights of the village.
Scdoris’s best result in the Iditarod came in 2009 when she took the Southern route for the first time. Guided by Tim Osmar once again, who had made a remarkable recovery from a catastrophic ankle injury, Scdoris finished an impressive 45th, surpassing her previous best of 57th. Her continued success in the race not only inspired individuals with disabilities but also reshaped perceptions of what is possible for women in a male-dominated sport.
Throughout her career, Scdoris has not only defied expectations but also shattered stereotypes. She has proven that visual impairments are not a barrier to achieving greatness in athletics. By fearlessly confronting the challenges thrown her way and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, she has become a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.