In early high school, Sam Byrne discovered a sport he absolutely loved – goalball. Having lost his eyesight after he was diagnosed with cancer of the retina, he found goalball to be a sport where no one had a sight advantage over him.

Sam credits his mother with his increasing success in goalball. With her continued support in driving him long distances to local goalball competitions, Sam progressed to playing goalball for Australia at an international level in just five years.

Sam, who is studying urban planning at university, believes representing his country is one of the best things anyone can ever experience and encourages other athletes, no matter their circumstances, to strive for their dreams. He would love to see more people take up goalball and hopes to recruit more players and assist with future development of the sport.

When he’s not on the goalball court, Sam also enjoys cycling, jogging and playing the guitar.