When Jon Horsburgh was 10 years old, he was diagnosed with Stargardt’s disease – a degenerative genetic eye disease that affects his central vision.

Then as a teenager, Jon met 1996 Paralympic goalballer Rob Crestani, who introduced the boy from Melbourne to goalball at a come and try day.

Enjoying the focus he feels when on the court, Jon continued to play socially and became quite competitive. Although describing himself as super relaxed and easy going, he admits his calm nature disappears on the goalball court, replaced by a supreme focus to win.

It is this supreme focus that has seen the winger become a member of the national men’s goalball team since 2006, where he represented Australia at the Goalball World Championships in 2006, 2007 and 2010, as well as the 2011 IBSA Goalball World Cup in Turkey.

Jon enjoys gardening and also owns an aquarium with one barramundi and one salmon catfish. He loves watching his team, Carlton play in the AFL and looks up to dual Carlton Premiership winning captain Stephen Kernahan.

While he enjoys the physical activity of goalball and is determined to one day compete at a Paralympic Games, Jon is also looking forward to the day when he can retire and completely relax.