KOLD News 13UA swimmer uses impairment to his advantage

UA swimmer uses impairment to his advantage

Scott Kilbury - bio | email

TUCSON, AZ (KOLD) - Marcus Titus' second place finish in the 100 meter breast stroke made quite a noise during the Wildcats' run to the National Championship two years ago.   

Being deaf, though, Titus can't hear a noise without the assistance of hearing aid. 

"I don't know how to explain,"  head UofA Swimming Coach Frank Busch said.  "He just loves to compete." 

Titus says not beaing able to hear is not actuall an advantage when it comes to racing. 

"You can concentrate more and just qero the crowd out and focus,"  Titus said. 

One of Titus strength is his quick start.  "It's the darndest thing,"  Busch said.  "He almost always beats everyone at the start... never a false start."

He does this by watching a strobe light instead of the gun or whistle.  "Light travles faster than sound so it only makes sense," Titus said. 

The Senior-to-be exploded on the scene in 2007 when he set the school record during the cats championship run when his 52 second race second place finish.

"I'm not finished yet," Titus said.  "I know I can swim faster."

Titus says he hopes to better that and more during his upcoming senior season.  Pretty remarkable considering he just started swimming as a freshman in high school. 

"I look at myself as a role model to kids that have a hearing impairment."