Katja Dedekind describes herself as “determined and stubborn”, and they’re traits that have served her very well in the face of adversity.
Vison-impaired from birth, the Sunshine Coaster has not let the disability hinder her.
The 20-year-old was born with blindness in her right eye and with tunnel vision in her left eye, but she has welcomed tasks that might seem difficult.
That includes pursuing a passion for books. She studies creative writing and publishing at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
“It is kind of ironic, being vision-impaired and a book worm, but it works itself out,” she said.
Katja often uses an iPad to enlarge the text or font size with a zoom function. It means reading is slow but achievable.
And it’s in the pool where she has made her biggest splash, overcoming her vision impairment to become one of the best swimmers.
Katja is poised to represent Australia at her second Paralympics, at Tokyo later this month, after making her debut at Rio in 2016.
She’ll compete in the S13 category for vision-impaired athletes, in the 50m freestyle, 400m freestyle and 100m backstroke.
And she will head to Japan as the No.1 ranked female swimmer on the Australian team, after breaking the national 100m backstroke record with 1:07.16, at the Australian selection trials in June.
Katja said she was more prepared for this Games.
“I made my first Australian team when I was 14, and I swam at my first Paralympic Games when I was 15, so I have over five years of experience, being on teams.
“It’s been a lot better for my Tokyo preparation, because now I know what to do going into it.
“I know how to handle it to an extent, so I have the best opportunity possible.”
There hasn’t been much international competition during the past couple of years, due to COVID-19, so she’s excited to take on the rest of the world in Tokyo.
“I’m stoked we get to compete again internationally,” she said. “It’s been a while.”
Katja’s considered a genuine medal contender, but she’s simply delighted to get back into action.
“I’m just happy the Games have been allowed to go ahead.”
“Everyone wants to be a champion and gold medallist … but I’m just happy to go over there now.”
She got on to the podium in Rio, for the 100m backstroke (S13).
“That bronze medal was quite unexpected to be honest. I was a back-stroker until then.”
“If I was able to go to Tokyo and get another medal that would be amazing, but I’m just stoked to be given the opportunity to go and race again.”
Katja used her trademark drive and focus to prepare for the trials and the Games, swimming in the ocean and doing gym at home during lockdowns.
“I just did the best I could and tried to get one step ahead, by making sure I was working out and looking after myself while I was away from (regular) training.”
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Katja said she had been inspired by USC Spartans clubmate Kaylee McKeown who starred at the Olympic Games.
“To see her race so well … was just amazing,” she said.
“The Australian swim team did so well there (with 21 medals).
“With the talent on the Australian Paralympic swim team, I think we can do just as well.”
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Spartans coach Nathan Doyle, who is also on the coaching staff of the national team, said Katja had shown plenty of determination during the past couple of years to emerge as a force.
“I think Katja’s come of age,” he said.
“We set her a pretty heavy task, to lift her standard and lift her game, because 2019 wasn’t a fantastic year for her.
“She was probably the last athlete picked on the team for the world championships, and I think that was a really good lesson for her.
“She’s gone from being the last person selected to being the No.1 ranked female on the team, so I’m really proud of the effort she’s been able to put in and I’m really excited to see her tackle three events (at Tokyo).”
Katja’s schedule
- August 26, from 10am-12.25pm, 100m backstroke (S13) heats.
- August 26, from 6pm-9.35pm, 100m backstroke (S13) final.
- August 27, from 10am-12.15pm, 400m freestyle (S13) heats.
- August 27, from 6pm-9.30pm, 400m freestyle (S13) final.
- August 29, 10am-12.25pm, 50m freestyle (S13) heats.
- August 29, 6pm-9.35pm, 50m freestyle (S13) final.
