Kendall Jennings, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Growing up 10 kilometres from Barham, Daniel Searle’s life changed at 16 years of age when he suffered rapid vision loss. However, this did not slow the local lad down. He completed Year 12, studied at university and is now a physiotherapist in Albury.

Searle competed in the National Road Cycling Championships held in Ballarat from January 12 to 16. Daniel won a gold medal in the time trial (43:55.67) and silver for the road race with his guide, Neil van der Ploeg.

“Without Neil, my pilot, none of this would have been possible, and I hope we have many more events together,” said Daniel.

The soon to be 35-year-old is not sure what is in his future.

“I’m excited about what I’ve achieved in the last six months with training and if I can continue that improvement, who knows?

“I’ve been in communication with the Aus Cycling performance team and coaches, and I’m keen to know where they think I’m at relative to other people in the world, and whether there’s potential to push on other events, national representation and world championships or future Paralympics.

“A huge thanks to my partner, because it is with his support and encouragement that I am able to train and compete.”

Daniel competes for Albury Wodonga Cycling Club and Albury Wodonga Triathlon Club.

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 27 January 2022.