The Special Olympics USA Games concluded after a week of competition in Minneapolis. The games drew athletes from all over the country with Team Utah’s delegation comprised of Special Olympians, Unified partners and coaches.
Utah’s delegation had a great showing and a lot of fun, highlighted by three gold medals from Jordan Barlow in swimming, Cheytrell Mower in athletics and its bocce team. Athletes spent hours training and practicing in preparation for competition week. They also gained new friends and memories that will follow them for life while making Utah proud.
“My favorite moments were watching my athletes cheer and encourage their teammates,” said swim coach Wendy Harris. “The bond they will forever have is so incredible. I loved watching them improve inside and outside of the pool—I will forever be grateful for my week spent with these incredible athletes.”
Harris has been driving out from Vernal, Utah, where she coaches the Uintah Dinos during the state season, to help Utah’s four swimmers from across the state prepare for the USA games.
“I’m so proud of our team,” Harris added. “Our athletes demonstrated courage, determination and teamwork throughout the games.”
Barlow earned his gold medal in the 25-meter backstroke and added a silver in the 50 free. Barlow and his family documented several great moments from the games on his Instagram account, which has followers who cheer on his swimming as well as his cup and dice stacking.
Mower’s gold came in the 200 meters, and he added bronzes in the long jump and 100 meters. The bocce team included Blaine Shelton, Carson Garrett, Mikaela Winterton and Nina Aston. The group topped Minnesota in the championship match for their gold.
Utah’s Special Olympics medals
Athletics – Christina Gunderson, 400m, Bronze
Athletics – Christina Gunderson, 800m, Bronze
Athletics – Cheytrell Mower, 200m, Gold
Athletics – Cheytrell Mower, Long Jump, Bronze
Athletics – Cheytrell Mower, 100m, Bronze
Basketball – Unified Team, Bronze
Bocce – Nina Aston, Women’s Single, Silver
Bocce – Carson Garrett, Men’s Singles, Silver
Bocce – Blaine Shelton, Men’s Singles, Silver
Bocce – Team, Gold
Bowling – Jeremy Duffin, Men’s Singles, Bronze
Bowling – Co-ed Team, Silver
Flag Football – Unified Team, Bronze
Soccer – 5vs5 Team, Bronze
Swimming – Jordan Barlow, 25m Backstroke, Gold
Swimming – Jordan Barlow, 50m Freestyle, Silver
Swimming – Abby Chesire, 50m Freestyle, Silver
Swimming – Abby Chesire, 25m Freestyle, Bronze
Swimming – CJ Haerter, 25m Freestyle, Bronze