Taking up squash last year is paying dividends for Ōamaru woman Emma Paton, who is now in the running for Otago Para Athlete of the Year.

The 31-year-old, who works in administration support at Milligans Food Group, was born profoundly deaf, but went undiagnosed until she was three.

“It was a challenge to get a diagnosis. My parents took me to several audiologists," she said. 

“Hearing aids didn’t help me much, so at almost 10 years old I got my first cochlear implant and 10 years later I got a second implant in my other ear.”

She also uses sound processors.

“Cochlear implants have been life changing for me,” she said. “[It’s] amazing technology.”

As a newcomer to the sport of squash in 2022, Emma was happy to place at the first few tournaments she entered, and it encouraged her to continue.

She was forced to have a four-month break due to a rotator cuff injury, but this year, in her first competition back, placed third in the E Grade at the Queenstown Easter Tournament, and won her grade at the Pirates Black Pearl 2 Tournament in Dunedin a few weeks ago, she said.

Her placings at tournaments last year, and playing against hearing competitors, earned her the Athlete with a Disability Award at the Waitaki Sports Awards, in March.

“So that put me through as a nomination for the Otago awards, and then the judges selected me as one of the three finalists. 

“I have won the Waitaki Sports Athlete with a Disability Award before, but that was for table tennis,” she said.

Emma belongs to Excelsior, Papakaio and Ōamaru squash clubs, which means she gets to play against a variety of players each week, which helps to improve her game and prepare for tournaments.

She is coached by Wayne Collett, who she said is “really supportive” and has helped develop her playing skills.

“I’m playing two pennant nights each week, plus practice matches. 

“Wayne and I try to have regular coaching sessions to work on my techniques and fitness. Also I do my own solo training. With being new to squash, I have lots to learn.”

Emma’s deafness does have an effect on her squash. She only wears one sound processor, and uses a “snugfit” to stop it falling off during a match.

“Most squash courts are echoey and very difficult for me to hear the referee call the score, lets or strokes. Often I have to ask the referee to repeat the call. 

“Not hearing the ball means I have to watch the ball extra carefully. Some squash clubs have got a screen above the court with the live score, this makes it so much easier for me. 

Before a game Emma always lets the organiser and referee know she is deaf and may not hear the calls.

Outside of squash and work, Emma is interested in photography, gardening and cooking. Before Covid, she had also enjoyed overseas travel.

Being deaf means communication can be really challenging for her, and "clear, accurate and timely" communication is important, she said

“Sometimes I need signed support or a writer to take notes for me.

“Social situations can be hard, but the people who smile, say hello, take the time to chat, make sure I know what’s happening and are supportive and welcoming make it so much easier. 

“Being included is important to me and others who are deaf. It’s actually not that hard to be inclusive,” she said.

Winners of the Otago Sports Awards will be announced at the awards evening next Friday (June 9).