Special Olympics Team USA, All Champions In L.A.
By Brian Tabije
As a part of LA Sports Hub, I’ve gotten to attend sporting events all throughout Los Angeles. It’s has been exciting to interview World Cup Champion Abby Wambach, NBA Champion Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors and members of the defending MLS Champion L.A. Galaxy.
It was a completely different excitement interviewing Elizabeth Carey (aquatics), Bryson Williford (powerlifting) and Chevi Peters (powerlifting).
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All members of Special Olympics team USA.
All with their own personal journey to get to Los Angeles and compete in the World Games – and all Special Olympics World Games Champions!
It was all love and support for the red, white and blue, well deserved for the athletes that worked so hard to get these type of results.
U.S fans in the stands for Special Olympics team USA! Photo courtesy of Audry Schapai of LA Sports Hub.
Elizabeth Carey displaying her excitement after her 100M IM. Photo courtesy of Audry Schapai of LA Sports Hub.
Sixteen year old Elizabeth Carey of La Palma, CA finished her games with a gold and silver competing in the pool at USC. She earned the silver in the 100M Individual Medley and earned the gold in the 4X50 Freestyle Relay. When asked how she felt to be a part of a great event like the World Games she responded, “it’s really special for the coaches to have chosen me….it’s really about having fun no matter what!”
Pure joy for Special Olympics athlete Elizabeth Carey of La Palma, CA. Photo courtesy of Audry Schapai of LA Sports Hub.
Bryson Williford from Rosie, AR, a 23-year-old power lifter and multi-talented athlete simply spoke about his drive that came from his uncle passing away earlier this summer.
Bryson Williford, earning Silver in the Deadlift competition at the L.A Convention Center. Photo courtesy of Audry Schapai of LA Sports Hub.
“I was at training camp, pumped and ready to go. Then I had a loss in my family, I didn’t get angry, I got more motivated and more pumped up….he loved the Special Olympics….I wanted to do this for him so I dedicated this to him and I gave it my all.”
Bryson Williford sharing his story with me after his competitions. Photo courtesy of Audry Schapai of LA Sports Hub.
Bryson earned 4 medals in his games, 2 gold (bench press, triple competition) and 2 silver (dead lift, squat lift). No doubt Williford gave it his all. He explained : “Since finding the Special Olympics I’ve exploded out of my shell, it’s been an honor and a great experience and I’ve enjoyed it.” After watching Bryson compete against the world’s best, he made it look easy and it was quite the experience to watch him display his efforts.
Chevi Peters,31, the powerlifter from Pittsburgh, KS. Peters earned 4 medals in the World Games, 3 gold (deadlift, squat, triple competition) and a silver in the bench press. He explained where his nick name came from, “My coach tells me that I’m a different person when I get on stage, half man half animal, they call me the manimal. Me and my coach (John Lair) we understand each other, he’s the one that taught me everything….I wouldn’t trade my coach for anything in the world.”
Chevi Peters took some time with us, giving us a peek to his journey to the World Games. Photo courtesy of Audry Schapai of LA Sports Hub.
When asked about his journey and how he felt being on the world stage he simply responded, “God put me on this earth for a reason, that’s my strength.” There’s no doubt Chevi has the strength, what I was fortunate enough to experience was his character.
The selfless attitude of the athletes was contagious around the games. Always giving praise to their coaches, friends and family, shying away from all of their OWN hard work. Well this is for all of you Special Olympics athletes who worked your tails off to get to the pinnacle of Special Olympics competition in the World Games!
Thank you for sharing your journey, your insight, hard work and dedication and thank you for letting us be a part of something great.
Chevi Peters earned 2 Gold and 2 Silver medals in Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015. Photo Courtesy of Audry Schapai of LA Sports Hub.