After training all summer, Frost, who suffers from Usher Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive hearing and vision loss, traveled to Sarnia this past weekend to compete in the 2011 Ontario ParaSport Summer Games.
"In four months I've done some large leaps," says Frost of his achievements. He says that the highlight so far of his track and field career has been at the Ontario Paragames in July where his times met the National qualify standard time for the Paralympics.
"I know I have to improve, but that's when they start looking at you," said Frost.
The hard worker, who has Olympic ambitions, has rallied support for the Paralympic Committee's failure to recognize deaf-blind speed skating as a sport. While he won't give up the fight, Frost is trying his hand at other sports to perhaps realize his dream.
"We all have to go through hurdles, but life is what you make it, period," he says.
Frost was scheduled to compete in four races this weekend, the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m events but unfortunately an injury in his first race rendered him unable to carry on with the competition.
Frost explains he pulled his calf three weeks ago in training. "I went back too soon," he said, which is telling of his active and ambitious attitude.
Frost said he was very fast off the line and then he felt a small tear in his groin and slowed to a hop as the crowd who was cheering him on "awed."
Always the optimist, Frost was not deterred and said the best part of the weekend was meeting all the other athletes, coaches and families which he notes would have been more difficult had he had to focus on his races.
"It was very touching to meet all those people," said Frost.
When asked what sport he's going to try and tackle next, Frost has a long list of ambitions ahead of him.
"After speed skating and track, I'm trying out kayaking, then I'd like to learn golfing and curling," said Frost. "Oh, and I'm in a darts league," he laughs.
Motivated inside and outside the arena
While it appears that Frost's hectic training schedule won't leave time for much else, he admits his desire to help others takes priority. Frost is planning a trip at the end of October to Mexico to meet with a 13-year-old girl and deliver her a new pair of hearing aids which can be as much as $1500 - $2000.
Partnering with Widex, an international hearing aid supplier, and Davidson Hearing Aid Centre in Ottawa, Frost believes the work he does only comes to fruition by a community who works together.
"Helping other people get through their life hurdles is my passion, and in turn I feel people have helped me along the way."
