Amy Dixon, based in Encinitas, California, has lost 98% of her vision to a rare autoimmune disorder. For Amy, that loss didn’t end her connection to sport—it became the start of a new chapter. After a friend encouraged her to try a triathlon, she was hooked. That moment of encouragement set her on a path that has taken her from local races to the world stage. 

From Local Start to National Champion 

Amy quickly rose through the competitive ranks. She became the USA Paratriathlon National Champion and the USA Paracycling national time trial champion, proving her skill across multiple disciplines. On the international triathlon circuit, she earned seven gold medals and consistently ranked among the world’s best, climbing as high as sixth in the Tokyo Paralympic qualification standings. She is a long-standing member of the U.S. Paratriathlon National Team and a strong competitor in paracycling. 

Her progress has been supported by CAF, where she found community, resources, and opportunities to keep pushing forward. 

 A Team Sport: Racing with Guides 

As a visually impaired athlete, Amy competes tethered to her guides in the water and while running, and on a tandem bike during cycling segments. These partnerships require extraordinary communication, trust, and athletic skill. 

Christy Fritts, one of Amy’s guides, recalls their first race together at the ITU Aquathlon World Championships in Cozumel. With only days to train as a team, Christy learned racing rules, transitions, and how to tether swim and run. Guided by trust and determination, the pair not only raced safely but won gold together. 

Guides like Christy emphasize that the role is about more than racing—it’s about ensuring safety, matching the athlete’s pace, and navigating high-pressure environments. Amy describes finding an elite-level guide as “like finding a unicorn,” because they must be technically skilled, faster than the athlete on their worst day, and also able to act as coach, communicator, and teammate. 

Paying It Forward 

Amy’s career has inspired the next generation of athletes with vision loss. In 2021, she connected with a visually impaired teenager at CAF’s Youth Paratriathlon Camp, offering encouragement and advice as the athlete began their journey into the sport. Amy’s presence showed what’s possible with the right support system and highlighted CAF’s role in creating pathways for young athletes to thrive. 

Beyond Competition 

Outside of racing, Amy is an advocate for athletes with disabilities, a speaker, and a mentor. She continues to be a visible leader in triathlon and paracycling while championing the importance of guides, access to equipment, and opportunities for people with vision loss. 

In the Media 

• CAF Live Q&A with Bob Babbitt: Amy Dixon 

• Guiding Eyes Blog: One Guide’s Journey with Amy Dixon 

Support Athletes Like Amy 

Amy’s journey underscores the impact of opportunity, community, and access. Every finish line she’s crossed reflects not only her hard work but the network of support that makes competition possible. 

You can ensure more athletes with vision loss have the chance to compete. Join CAF in supporting grants, training camps, and mentorship programs that make sport accessible to all.