UWinnipeg Kinesiology student Rhea Schmidt is a Paralympian and an inspiration.

The 26 year old is legally blind with 7% vision, and an avid swimmer. She is representing Canada at the 2012 Paralympics in London – August 29 to September 9, 2012 - competing in the 50 meter freestyle, 100 meter freestyle, 200 meter individual medley and the 100 meter breast stroke. This is Rhea’s second appearance at the Paralympic Games as a competitor.

Born in Warren, Manitoba, Rhea has been living with Achromatopsia since birth. As a child she enrolled in the Canadian national Institute for the Blind’s summer camp.

“I met one of my best friends through CNIB, former Paralympic swimmer, Kirby Cote. I also remember going to the summer camps and swimming and doing all the fun camp activities with the other kids,” says Rhea.

In the new year, Rhea will return to classes at UWinnipeg to complete her degree in Kinesiology, and afterwards she hopes to pursue her studies in occupational therapy.

“I want to work with kids,” says Rhea. “Occupational therapists helped me realize my potential, and I want to do the same for other children.”