This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Phoenix • An Arizona high school student who is legally blind has qualified for this year's pole vault competition at the state track and field championships.
Television station KPHO reports that Aria Ottmueller has 20-400 vision. The Valley Christian High School student also has no depth perception or peripheral vision.
Ottmueller says when she first asked her coach if she could try pole vaulting, the answer was no. She kept asking so he agreed to let her try. Ottmueller got help from pole vault coach Perry Fraley.
Fraley's goal was to see Ottmueller qualify for state next year. She reached that goal early, clearing the bar set at 6 feet, 7 inches. Ottmueller will compete at state this weekend.