Hamilton, MI. – Coldwater’s Bri Barle was competing in her first state championship in the adaptive category at the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 2 State Track & Field Championship and she was hyped. It would be the most people she ever competed in front of and she participated in the 100 & 200 and she did not disappoint.
As the gun sounded she rolled in her custom racing adaptive-approved wheelchair as thousands of people cheered her on. She did great and finished with really good times, slightly over her personal records (PRs) But the inclement weather made it slightly more difficult.
The young Junior Brianna Barle started competing in swimming when she was 8 years old. Brianna was born with Larsen syndrome, an extremely rare condition that occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 newborns and causes dislocations of joints and skeletal malformation.
This year she decided to try track and field after learning about the opportunity to participate. Barle competed in the 100m, 200m, and threw discus. This was made possible by the Equipment loans of Keweenaw allowing her to use a racing chair.
Barle does not let her physical limitations slow her down. She is strong and very caring and is very thankful for the opportunity to raise awareness for Paralympic sports and hopes that one day high schools will allow athletes not just be about awareness but to actually score. As of now, adaptive athletes’ times do not count towards team scores and that needs to change.
Barle plans to compete in swim and track her senior year. Other than sports Brianna participates in Future Health Professionals and Youth in Government with the mindset of pursuing a career path in one of these areas.
“I am very thankful to be able to participate and help make a difference and I would like to thank those coaches, athletes, and fans from opposing teams that are eager to learn and are excited and support me when I compete,” Barle stated.
Brianna is also extremely thankful for the support from her parents Bridget and Ryan Barle as well as her two siblings Brooke and Blake Barle. She appreciates her supportive team and coaches Danielle Kelly and Rachel Foley.
