Legally blind by Stargardt disease, Olympic track and field athlete and marathon runner Marla Runyan never allowed her disability to come in the way of her passion for running. Born January 4, 1969, in Santa Maria, California, Runyan developed Stargardt’s disease at the age of 9 which causes gradual degeneration of the retinas. While she retained her peripheral vision and could make out shapes and shadows, she still can’t always see the curbs, potholes, and roots in front of her. Yet, the amazing woman has excelled at track and field throughout her life.