“It was hard to get my head around to start off with, and it took a bit of a rollercoaster ride to find my feet again,” he said.
Now, Mr Roberts wanted to share his experience as part of Global Usher Syndrome Awareness Day, or Ush Day, on Saturday, September 18.
“I’m getting into the mentoring side and getting my story out there with what I do to help inspire the younger generation and others to keep going,” he said.
Usher syndrome is an inherited genetic disorder that results in the loss of hearing and sight over time. As a result of the syndrome, Mr Roberts has now lost 85 per cent of his hearing, and his sight is also getting worse with time.
He will eventually lose his eyesight altogether.
“You wouldn’t believe that I’ve got 85 per cent hearing loss when you hear me talk, so not many people realised,” he said.
“Finding out that I’ve got Usher syndrome and then my eyes deteriorating and stuff like that, that was a bit hard to get my head around.”
Despite his diagnosis, Mr Roberts has found success in the V8 Superboats circuit. During his 20-year career in the jetboat sport, he’s knocked the world champion off the podium, and finished in fourth place in the 2018 and 2019 Penrite Australian V8 Superboats Championship.
He also finished fourth in the Union Internationale Motonautique World Series in 2018.
“When I hit that start line, it’s the 30-second to a minute lap that nothing else matters in the world,” he said.
“I’m out there, having fun, and doing my best and have actually been quite successful at it.”
Friend and public relations officer for V8 Superboats Sean Henshelwood said Mr Roberts was humble when it came to the syndrome.
“To sit and talk to him about it, he will then tell you that sure, you can sit on the couch and wallow in self-pity,” he said.
“But the reality is if your time is up down the track, get out and enjoy it whilst you can.”
As part of Ush Day, Mr Roberts wants those living with Usher syndrome to keep a positive outlook and live life to the fullest.
“Get out there and have a go and don’t let your limitations slow you down.
“That’s what I do with jet boat racing.”
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