When facing a competition, Kendall Stier never backs down. As a skilled athlete, she loves to compete and doesn’t let her disability hold her back. Kendall is a twin. She and her sister, Madison, were both born premature and Kendall was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Despite her disability, Kendall is an accomplished athlete. She participates in shot put, javelin and discus throwing competitions for track and field.
Kendall credits her sister for her interest in athletics. “Madison is the one who brought out the athlete in me because I am always trying to keep up with her,” said Kendall. Although the twins are competitive, they are also very close. “She can make me laugh harder than anyone, so I do not care if she beats me,” Kendall said. Kendall’s parents also play an important role in her athletic career. Kendall’s mom, Shannon, is her throwing coach, and Kendall’s dad, Mark, attends all her competitions and shows his support. At just 16 years old, Kendall has won both state and national competitions. She is the 2016 CIF Track and Field State Champion for Girls Para Shot Put. Kendall is also a 2017 CIF Track and Field State Qualifier and the 2017 U.S. Paralympics National Champion Woman’s Shot Put (F-33).
To get around and to help save her energy during competitions, Kendall uses the Go-Go® Elite Traveller. Kendall credits her Go-Go for keeping her active, because she can get out there and be with her family and friends. Kendall says the best part about her Go-Go is the pocket on the seat back. “You would be amazed at how many things I have crammed into there. It’s like a purse!” When Kendall isn’t busy with school or track and field competitions, she and Madison are learning American Sign Language. They can hold full conversations using only ASL and will be focusing on interpretation over the next two years. The twins also partnered with USA Track and Field to present a “Run, Jump and Throw” program to 4th-6th graders in Irvine Unified School District in Southern California.
The girls traveled to different campuses and showed students in Physical Education classes how to throw a turbo javelin. Approximately 10% of students in California have a physical disability. Kendall believes in encouraging young people to try out for sports like track and field so they can become future athletes. As for her own future, Kendall looks to the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan. She hopes to make Team USA for Track and Field. “I have a lot of work to do between now and then, but that is the dream I am chasing.”