Athletes
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world—5.6 million and counting! They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!
Thor and Joakim: One Coach, One Player, 25 Years
Swedish coach and player pair, Thor Guttormsen and Joakim Andersson, have undergone a long journey from new acquaintances to close friends, collecting accolades along the way and even attracting the attention of Zlatan Ibrahimovic!
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Triathletes Battle It Out at Challenge Family Triathlon
Triathlon Paves the Way for Inclusive Sport at the 3rd Annual Special Olympics European Open Triathlon
2 Min Read
“The news came as a complete surprise!”
As Gilmour Borg and his fellow nine new Sargent Shriver Global Messengers take part in a week of training in Washington D.C., we take the opportunity to get to know Gilmour a little better with a one-to-one interview.
4 Min Read
“I couldn’t believe that I had been selected!”
This week, Margaret Turley and the nine other new Sargent Shriver Global Messengers (SSGMs) from the 2024 to 2027 cohort are embarking on an intensive week of training in Washington DC. Just before Margaret flew out, we took the opportunity to get to know her a little better with a one-to-one interview.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Colorado Athlete Conquers Mountains, Literally and Figuratively
For Hunter Specht, the mountain is his home away from home. For years, he and his family have bonded over their passion for snow sports, especially skiing. But it was when Hunter’s passion for skiing met Special Olympics Colorado that he was truly able to shine.
3 Min Read
Lloyd Martin runs into the Guinness World Record Books
Special Olympics Great Britain athlete Lloyd Martin ran his way into the Guinness World Record Books on 21 April 2024 by completing the TCS London Marathon.
1 Min Read
Expressing Excellence—Through Sports
Athletes with autism beat low expectations—and sports records, too!
7 Min Read
Special Olympics Michigan Sets Standard with Two Teams at NIRSA Championships at State-Of-The-Art Facilities
It’s a crisp sunny day in late spring at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The 2024 NIRSA National Basketball Championships are taking place and two teams from Michigan are in town looking to bring home the championship.
5 Min Read
Konrad Debniak’s Story Of Resilience
The Special Olympics Poland athlete finds confidence, equality, and purpose through sports.
3 Min Read
From Spins To Dribbles, Gorjan Stojkovski Never Stops Learning New Basketball Tricks
The North Macedonian player was the life and soul of his team at the 2023 Regional West Balkans Basketball 3x3 Tournament in Tirana, Albania - and he still has energy for much more.
2 Min Read
Athlete Leader James Steps Up to Run First London Marathon
Special Olympics Derbyshire athlete, coach and Athlete Leadership Team member James Wyatt is stepping out in search of another huge challenge by tackling the TCS London Marathon.
3 Min Read