Some athletes inspire us because of their speed. Others because of their strength. And then there are athletes like Owen Cravens, who inspire us because of their heart (and speed and strength too!).
A talented young paratriathlete from Arizona, Owen lives with Stargardt disease — a rare inherited retinal condition that causes progressive loss of central vision. For many families, the diagnosis feels like a door closing. For Owen, it became the beginning of something extraordinary.
A Chance Encounter That Left a Lasting Impact
We had the joy of meeting Owen and his family last year at a college triathlon. His mom was the first to wave us over, extending kindness in the effortless way that rare disease families often do — a silent understanding, a shared experience, an instant connection.
Owen’s warmth, grit, and optimism filled the space around him long before we heard his story. And once we did, it was impossible not to feel moved.
Racing With Purpose
Triathlon is a demanding sport for anyone — long miles, long hours, and even longer days of training. But when you have a condition like Stargardt disease, it adds an entire invisible layer of complexity:
-
Navigating quickly changing terrain
-
Managing depth perception and contrast
-
Making rapid decisions while vision is shifting
Despite these challenges, Owen doesn’t just compete — he excels.
His drive to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep pushing past the limits that others might see is a testament to the power of purpose. Athletes like Owen redefine what “possible” looks like, not only for themselves, but for every family affected by retinal diseases.
A Story That Matters Far Beyond Sport
Owen’s journey is bigger than competition results. It’s about courage, identity, and choosing to move forward even when the path becomes harder to see.
For families with Stargardt disease, BBS, RP, or any inherited retinal condition, stories like Owen’s are more than inspiring — they are hope made visible.
They remind us:
-
Vision loss doesn’t erase talent.
-
A diagnosis doesn’t define a future.
-
Our community is filled with remarkable people who continue to rise and pursue their dreams.
And they remind us why research, awareness, and advocacy matter so deeply — because young people like Owen deserve a future where treatments exist, and where possibility isn’t something they have to fight for alone.
Cheering Him On — And Cheering for All of Us
We’re grateful to know Owen and his family, and grateful for the example he sets for every child navigating life with a retinal disease. His journey is a powerful reminder that vision may change, but purpose never has to fade.
Owen isn’t just racing triathlons.
He’s racing toward a world where sight can be saved — and bringing all of us with him.
