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Special athletes return home as medalists

News-Topic - 6/14/2022

Jun. 14—LENOIR — Four local athletes return home from Orlando, Florida with a new title, Special Olympic medalist.

While competing along with 5,900 athletes from across the United States and the Caribbean, the athletes modeled the Special Olympic Oath "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." Brent Moretz, Megan Hudson, and Colby Hawn represented Special Olympics North Carolina in swimming. Each athlete competed in three swimming events.

Ke'shaun Tillman dominated the 400 meter race to take the gold during the Special Olympics Team USA Games last week in Orlando. Tillman also placed fourth in the 200 meter and 4x100 meter Relay.

Brent Moretz returned home with a bronze medal in the 50 yard Freestyle, fourth in the 25 yard Backstroke, and fifth in 4x25 yard Freestyle Relay. When asked about his favorite part of the USA Games, Brent said winning the bronze medal and going to Magic Kingdom were his favorite things. Even though Brent is modest in his responses, his smile tells how proud he is of winning a medal. Brent is ready to start training for the next USA Games in four years.

"I was so close to second and third place. I know I can do it next time," Brent said.

Megan Hudson returned home with a gold medal in the 25 yard Freestyle, fifth in the 4x25 yardd Freestyle Relay, and sixth in the 25 yard Backstroke. Megan said, "The experience at the USA Games made me feel proud. I am proud of winning the gold medal and having the best coaches."

After competing in the USA Games, Megan can now check this off of her bucket list. She also loved going to Disney World.

Colby Hawn returned home with a gold medal in the 200 yardd Freestyle, silver in the 4 x 50 yard Freestyle Relay, and bronze in the 500 yard Freestyle. Colby said his favorite thing at USA Games was "meeting all the wonderful athletes and competing against the best of the best in the USA Games." With hard work and determination, Colby dropped time while competing in his 500 yard Freestyle and the 200 yard Freestyle.

Participating in Special Olympics at the county, state and national level is about more than winning a medal. To Chanda Hawn, Colby's mother, Colby participating in Special Olympics has made his confidence grow as he achieved better times.

"Colby's struggles sometimes make him feel less than, but these games made him feel like the star he is," she said. "Watching our son compete in the USA Games meant so much to us as a family. Being able to watch Colby's success at the games as a family is something that we will never forget."

Life has not always been easy for our athletes. What is easy for others to complete, may be hard for them. These athletes left all the struggles they have faced in life on the pool deck and emerged from the pool as Special Olympic USA Games Medalists.

"These amazing athletes offer the world kindness, love, and acceptance that we can all learn from. May we all reach for the stars as our athletes did this past week," said Dana Miller, Caldwell County Special Olympics swim coach.

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