Phonak hEARo Kaylin Yost wins gold at 2017 Deaflympics

Kaylin Yost, an American golfer and Phonak hEARo, has won the gold medal for golf at the 2017 Deaflympics.

The 25-year-old won the final round by one point, in a very close competition with Diksha Dagar of India at the 23rd Summer Deaflympics in Turkey on Wednesday. Kaylin’s winning point came at the 19th hole. It was a long day on the golf course for Kaylin. She was three down after the sixth hole, but made her comeback by winning holes seven, eight and nine.

“The moment of having the putt drop in on the 19th hole was amazing. I was filled with happiness and relief after such a neck-to-neck match,” says Kaylin. “It was a great tough match.”

Kaylin has severe-to-profound hearing loss, but has overcome more than just her deafness. She was also born with two dislocated hips, which doctors said would result in her never being able to walk.

After two hip operations and 16 months in a body cast, Kaylin learned to walk and even play golf as a young girl. She discovered that golf is her passion and continued to play golf into college.

Kaylin mentioned that she is thrilled to take home the gold at the Deaflympics, but she is more happy with the way she fought through the last match. Her persistence and determination were easy to see as she caught up to her opponent and won the last hole.

Read more: Golfer Kaylin Yost to compete in 2017 Deaflympics

Yes, we just witnessed history. First ever Deaflympics medallists in golf! #Deaflympics2017 pic.twitter.com/HkUZPVMiW8

— Deaflympics 2017 (@Deaflympics2017) July 26, 2017

Kaylin shared her excitement on Twitter, showing off her gold medal alongside her Leo the Lion golf club cover.

Leo the Lion helped me get the gold! #LifeIsOn #Phonak #HearingAids #Deaflympics #LeoTheLion 🇺🇸🥇⛳️🦁 pic.twitter.com/rKGZ5Mcz9Z

— Kaylin Ashley (@kayyost) July 26, 2017

“To win gold at the first inaugural Deaflympics for golf is special,” says Kaylin.

This is the first year that golf has been included in the Deaflympics. The Deaflympics allows deaf athletes to compete at an elite level without games being dictated by sounds. Approximately 3,148 athletes from 97 countries competed in 21 sports participated in the 2017 games. 

• Author Details

Author Details

Kirsten Brackett

Kirsten is the managing editor of Hearing Like Me. She has a moderate hearing loss and currently wears Phonak Audéo B-R rechargeable hearing aids. Outside of working for Hearing Like Me, she can be found exploring new cities, trying out new recipes in her kitchen, or hiking. She loves learning about different cultures and languages.