VisAbility staff member and client Kane Perris, is a track paracyclist who recently traveled to Melbourne to compete in tandem sprint cycling at the 2024 Para National Championships. Kane returned with a swag of personal bests, national titles, a national record in the team sprint and a World Championship and Paralympic qualifying time in the 1km time trial. Kane has now been selected for the World Championships in Rio this March. This will be the Western Australian’s debut representing Australia wearing the green and gold!
Success at the World Championships is a major steppingstone to the Paralympics. Kane rides in tandem with his sighted pilot, Luke Zaccaria. Luke is an elite track cyclist who is no stranger to the pressures of high-level sports and success, already representing Australia in the last Commonwealth Games. The team has been cycling together since Kane came into the sport during 2020 and will compete in the 1km time trial, the sprint, and the tandem team sprint. Kane and Luke aim to solidify their place at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games this August with a good performance at the World Championships in Rio this March.
Kane reflects on his time working with VisAbility, “I’m so lucky to have the support of VisAbility throughout this journey. I’ve gradually moved from full time hours, down to just one day a week as my training regime amps up. I don’t know many other workplaces that would be so flexible.”
It’s not all been smooth sailing for Kane’s Paralympic journey. Kane experienced serious injury, sidelined for over ten months completing rehab in 2021. This didn’t stop Kane who says those challenges are what has allowed him to truly unlock his full potential.
“When I was out with injury, I found that I really missed training and competing. Now I’m back, I’m working harder and feeling stronger than ever. When I find myself in the hurt locker, I tell myself, this is voluntary. Remember how much you wanted this when you were sidelined.”
Born with albinism and vision loss associated with the condition, Kane has been a VisAbility client since he was 6 months old. Kane started working as a member of the exercise physiology team at VisAbility just over five years ago.
“I saw the role and felt like it was an opportunity to give back to VisAbility and the low and no vision community. I aim to empower people with vision impairment to push boundaries and challenge themselves. A fierce advocate for independence I want to give back to my community by encouraging them to see their potential and know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Kane is an inspiration, both in the workplace and on the track. Kane epitomises perseverance and a determination to finish what has been started. Kane is showing the world, and people with albinism and vision impairment, that with enough hard work and dedication, you can accomplish your goals. Also, just quietly, he’s an all-around great guy!
VisAbility CEO Anna Presser commented on Kane’s achievement,
“On behalf of the entire VisAbility community, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Kane on his remarkable efforts and deserved achievements. We wish Kane and Luke all the very best for March and the 2024 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships. Kane, if you listen hard enough, you’ll be able to hear us cheering from Perth!”
Kane and Luke will be flying out in March with the Australian Cycling Team to Brazil for the 2024 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships. They will have just ten days to acclimatise, practice and feel the nuances of the track before they compete.
Next stop, 2024 Paris Paralympics. Good luck fellas!
