Many people have seen Concordia University senior Michael Saalfeld dominate his respective events on the track: He's won numerous conference championships and even national championships. What many people haven't seen is the hearing aid that Saalfeld has in his ear. Saalfeld is partially deaf, a disability that he shares with his twin brother, Craig, who competes as a track athlete at Emporia State. It's a disability that the brothers have never allowed to hinder their track and field careers.
From Sept. 7-14, the Saalfeld brothers will compete at the Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan. The brothers hope to bring home gold medals for the US. Michael will compete in the 800-meter run, while Craig will compete in the decathlon and the high jump.
Concordia head track coach Dr. Kregg Einspahr discussed his senior runner. "We've never really talked about the hearing issue," said Einspahr. "Unless you really know the situation, you'd never know that there was a problem. This is a tremendous opportunity for Michael."
The United States brought home just one gold medal and eight medals total in the 2005 Deaflympics. This year, the Saalfeld brothers hope to win three gold medals by themselves. Michael's best time in the 800 would have won gold at the Deaflympics in 2005. Craig's best jump in the high jump and best mark in the decathlon also would have won gold in 2005.
Michael and Craig Saalfeld are the sons of Don and Linda Saalfeld and are graduates of David City Aquinas High School.