Visually impaired cyclist shows toughness in State Games time trial
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- Created on Saturday, 31 July 2010 05:09
- Written by Nathan
By CHENG SIO, THE GAZETTE
SALIDA - Kimiko Bullis is one of a kind.
At the cycling time trials of the Rocky Mountain State Games on Friday, Bullis had gauze on her left elbow and belly, her right elbow was skinned off and her yellow T-shirt had dots of dried blood on it.
Bullis fell off the adapted side-by-side tandem her father was piloting when she hit the brakes because of high speeds while going down a hill.
“I can’t clean off the blood. I need new clothes,” the 13-year-old Bullis told her mother, Cindy.
Racing as one of eight visually impaired cyclists, Bullis’ teammates from the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes cheered her up.
“You should get a ribbon for that,” one said.
Another said: “I’d frame that shirt. You’re a tough girl.”
Even Bullis’ father, active duty Air Force Maj. Scott Bullis, said: “You got battle scars like I do.”
Komiko’s scars could be considered one of a kind as well.
She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth and suffers from life-threatening epilepsy. As a result, she has a hard time moving her muscles and has severe brain damage.
Because of the epilepsy, Komiko also suffers from cortical visual impairment, also known as CVI, which is a neurological disorder that reduces vision due to brain abnormalities.
“Her vision some days is pretty good and some days she can’t see the tree in front of her,” Cindy said.
Cindy said the majority of children who have Kimiko’s illness don’t walk, talk, eat or read. But Kimiko has done all of that — and more.
Beginning at 9 months, Cindy said Kimiko has participated in adaptive swimming, gymnastics, bowling, rock climbing, wheelchair softball, wheelchair basketball and goalball, which is a sport designed for the visually impaired. Today, she will partake in the 400 meters and 800 meters in the 13-to-14 age group at Lewis-Palmer High School.
“It doesn’t matter if she wins or loses so much as having the fun to do it,” Cindy said. “She is disappointed if she doesn’t get a ribbon or medal like the other kids.”
Komiko also prefers to be independent. For instance, she woke up at 6 a.m. Friday, took a shower and went to eat breakfast at Colorado College, which was the site of USABA’s three-day sports clinic. Later, during weight training, she sensed her mother near her and waved her away.
“When she’s standing there going, ‘Mom, I can do it myself. Leave me alone. Go away,’ it was kind of fun,” Cindy laughed. “So I stepped away and she did it.”
Komiko has also been attending the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind since November after being home-schooled for seven years. Cindy said she loves both school and sports so much, she uses it to motivate Komiko to do some chores.
Komiko has also had outside help to enjoy her life. Cindy said Komiko has seen “The Lion King” on Broadway as part of her wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, colored with Senator Ted Kennedy and currently swims at the Olympic Training Center.
Life can be a struggle for her and her family.
“On a really bad day, she has big seizures,” Cindy said. “She could (bang her head), kick, scream uncontrollably, end up in an emergency room. It can get ugly.
“You just never know if this is going to be your last day with her. You enjoy every day and you do everything you can to have family time. The good days outweigh the bad.”
Friday was a good day.
When Kimiko and her father pedaled close to the finish line, Scott said she raised her arms cheering with fans. Later, Kimiko nodded when Cindy asked her if she finished the race. Then, Kimiko smiled and said, “I’m OK.”
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