Liz Bottner: Blind-hockey league goalie, now conquering running!

Gearing up for the 4th annual Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility® races presented by Cigna, we’re talking to athletes and guides to share stories about who they are and what brought them to our Chapter. Enjoy!

When we first met Liz Bottner, we suspected that this blind West Haven resident was one tough cookie. And then she told us that she’s a goalie in a blind-hockey league…so, yeah. ? Liz is also an intensely curious individual, and passionate about the things she cares about (e.g., the New York Islanders vs. Rangers – she’s a devout Islanders fan!) and the work that she does (teaching technology and life skills at the Connecticut Veterans Administration). Learn more about her in this Q&A.

How did you get involved with Achilles Connecticut?

Achilles Connecticut had a booth at the National Federation of the Blind 2018 state convention, which I attended. After learning what the organization was all about, I immediately signed up!

Why are you running in the Hope & Possibility® races?

I am running to push myself, stay active and proudly demonstrate that running is for everyone!

What’s one thing that you’ve never done, but would like to try?

Ice climbing. I have friends who have done it and say it’s a lot of fun.

If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?

A Cephalopod (the family of sea creatures such as octopus and squid). It is thought that these creatures have a never-ending curiosity and are able to learn. I consider myself to be very curious about everything, and I’m always reading and actively participating in new experiences. Running is one such experience!

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I have a lot of favorite foods, which makes this question hard to answer with just one of them. If I had to choose, I would say spicy Indian vegetable curry.

What was your favorite subject in school and why?

I enjoyed all subjects in school, but orchestra had a special place, because it allowed me an escape from the everyday routine and thoughts of upcoming assignments that had to be completed, into the world of playing music, which had so many positive benefits.

Who is your hero?

Anyone who has a dream for what they would like to accomplish in the world and figures out how to make it happen, doing whatever it takes, never giving up and breaking down any and all barriers along the way. It’s worth it!

Anything else you’d like to add (anything interesting about yourself you’d like others to know)?

I am a goalie on a blind hockey team – the Hartford Braillers.

The 4th annual Achilles Connecticut Hope & Possibility® races presented by Cigna take place on July 21 in Bloomfield, Connecticut. To register, visit https://www.hartfordmarathon.com/achilles-ct-hope-possibility-run/

To make a donation to Achilles Connecticut to help offset the costs of disabled athletes’ race registration fees and equipment, visit http://achillesct.everydayhero.do/