Blind Cross Country Runner Cleared To Compete

Logan Anderson is a second-year member of the cross country team at Franklin Community High School, but just completed her first race in a uniform.

The senior required special permission from the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) to compete, as she requires a guide to jog alongside her and provide directions about where to place her feet.

Anderson was born was with Oculocutaneous Albinism, which affects her eyes, skin pigmentation and hair. The condition affects about one in 20,000 people and renders her nearly blind. The IHSAA found that running with a guide does not lend her a competitive advantage, according to WISHTV, and cleared her to compete.

She took 65th at the Franklin Community Invitational on her home course, running 39:36.5 for 5000m.

"It's like you're another person when you run," she told WISHTV. "It's just something I love to do, and something I hope everyone else sees the beauty in."

"She's got dedication, she's got commitment and she's determined. She's very determined to do what she wants," said Haley Anderson, the team's assistant coach, and Anderson's guide.