Photo credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay

Emory (Texas) Rains High School senior Charlotte Brown may be the most courageous high school athlete in the nation. Brown, who developed cataracts when she was just 16 weeks old, is now blind, seeing little more than complete darkness. While most people with her condition would not even consider competing in high school sports, Brown is a pole-vaulter – and quite a good one at that.

Brown, who finished fourth at the University Interscholastic League Class 4A state meet last year, cleared 11 feet 6 inches at this year’s meet to earn the bronze medal. By counting her steps and using a beeper above the plant box, Brown has truly become one of the more inspirational athletes in all sports. She hopes to walk on the track and field team at Purdue University this fall.

Brown was also the Section 6 winner of the NFHS Spirit of Sport Award in 2013.

Read more on Brown here.