Ben Johns’ Vision Struggle: It’s well-known in the pickleball community that Ben Johns, the most decorated player in PPA Tour history, harbors a strong aversion to playing indoors. Even when rain forces delays, Johns would rather endure the wait than compete inside any adjacent facility. But why is that the case?
The Root of the Aversion
The answer lies in a childhood injury that has left a lasting impact on his vision. At nine years old, Johns suffered eye damage resulting in nerve impairment. “I have eye damage in one eye from when I was nine, so I can’t actually see very well indoors,” he explains. “Basically, the doctor said: ‘You have nerve damage. You’ll struggle in spotty lighting that’s slightly dark in places. You’ll struggle with depth perception.’ And that’s exactly what I’ve experienced.”
The Importance of Depth Perception
In racket sports like pickleball, depth perception is crucial. A player’s ability to track the ball accurately can make or break their performance. Johns’ struggle with varying indoor lighting conditions exacerbates this challenge. While he can adapt under optimal lighting, such conditions are a rarity across most indoor facilities in the country, where scattered overhead lighting often prevails.
Despite these obstacles, Johns consistently showcases his exceptional skills. His performance doesn’t falter, even when the conditions are less than ideal. This resilience will be put to the test next week when Johns and his Carolina Pickleball Club teammates compete indoors at The Picklr during the MLP Salt Lake City event. Observers will be keen to see how he navigates the lighting and continues to maintain his high standards of play.
Shared Challenges Among Top Players
Interestingly, Johns is not alone in facing vision-related challenges in the sport. Anna Leigh Waters, another pickleball superstar, contends with poor eyesight and relies on prescription shades while on the court. Her success, much like Johns’, highlights the remarkable adaptability and determination of top-tier athletes.
As the pickleball world anticipates the indoor matches in Salt Lake City, all eyes will be on Johns. His ability to overcome his vision challenges and perform at peak levels is a testament to his skill and dedication. It also serves as a reminder of the unique hurdles that professional athletes often face, unseen by the fans but ever-present in their daily battles on and off the court.
News in Brief: Ben Johns’ Vision Struggle
Ben Johns, the most decorated player in PPA Tour history, has a strong aversion to playing indoors due to a childhood eye injury that left him with nerve damage and impaired depth perception in low or uneven lighting. This makes indoor play particularly challenging for him. Despite these difficulties, Johns consistently excels, showcasing remarkable resilience. His next test will be at the MLP Salt Lake City event, where he and his Carolina Pickleball Club teammates will compete indoors. This event will be closely watched, highlighting Johns’ ability to overcome his vision challenges. Notably, Anna Leigh Waters, another top player, also faces vision issues, underscoring the adaptability and determination of elite athletes in pickleball.
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