Living with Cerebral palsy and blindness in her left eye, a Bethany-area woman has found her strength in her Taekwondo Academy.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, OR (KPTV) - The Black Belt Academy / US World Class Taekwondo Bethany
Morgan Barber, 25, is a two-time blackbelt who is leading life with a purpose in martial arts.
"It's not going to stop me, even if I have a disability," Barber said.
Six years into her career, there don't seem to be many limitations for Barber, who has big dreams.
"I am a fast learner at some things, and sometimes, it is going to take me a little bit longer to get a muscle memory of certain moves," Barber said. "It's still a challenge because sometimes when I do spin kicks on my left side, I have to feel for the target, because I can't feel the target on that side, so I have to feel for it and hear for the target."
Turning a disability into ability, Barber uses her heightened senses to elevate her craft.
George Hristescu with Bethany US. World Class Taekwondo says Barber is often the hardest worker in the room.
"Every day she comes in, she puts in the work, she's the hardest worker in the room, and that inspires," Hristescu said.
Barber recently collected a silver medal at the Mexico Open in Mexico City after earning bronze for the United States in last year's Pan-American Championships.
"Win or lose, I always try my best," Barber said.
Barber says she is living proof of hard work and dedication, which she passes on to young student at the Bethany US. World Class Taekwondo Marital Arts Academy.
"And they look up to her," Chief Master Hristescu said.
Just a few of the extraordinary achievements of the Morgan Braber the SUper Para Taekwondo Athlete:
U.S. National Champion
U.S. World Open Gold Medalist
U.S. Open Gold Medalist
Pan American Para Taekwondo Championship - Bronze for Team USA
We are preparing for the INAS Games, held in Brisbane, Australia where Morgan will participate as Team USA.