Shawn Cheshire is a blind cyclist who competed in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She lost her ability (see) after an accident nine years ago. She has tried to become as (depend) as possible in the last few years.
She said that, a long time, she was in a really dark place and hated being blind. She said that sports and physical exercise gave (she) another opportunity at living.
Earlier this month, Cheshire crossed 68 kilometers of steep and uneven ground in the Grand Canyon(大峡谷). She did so in 24 hours and 15 minutes, is believed to be a record for a blind hiker (徒步旅行者). The (early) record of 28 hours (set) in 2014.
Three friends helped her during the Grand Canyon hike. They walked several steps apart. They guided and warned her of (barrier). She listened for and followed the sound of a bell (wear) by the lead hiker. She used hiking poles for balance.
Cheshire and her friends finished the hike on October 8, 2018. She said as the group neared end of the trip, “I had a huge ball of emotion welled up in my chest –I cannot believe we just did that.”
