Local Special Olympic athletes bring home medals from State
(Photo courtesy of CHRIS PAINTER) Sandpoint’s Caitlin Bayles crosses the finish line to win gold in the 100 meter wheelchair race during the Special Olympic State Games, held in Caldwell on June 1.
(Photo courtesy of CHRIS PAINTER) Hayley Thompson competes in the running long jump, in which she placed third.
Fresh off a strong showing in the Lewiston Special Olympic Regional meet, the Sandpoint Monarch Summer Olympics team continued its excellent performances at State Games in Caldwell, Idaho on June 1.
Like all summer Special Olympic events, the State Games featured both swimming and outdoor athletic events for all. The Monarchs had athletes in both categories.
Over in the pool, Campbell Wyman earned gold in the 50 meter breaststroke and silver in the 50 meter freestyle, Bob Leichtman received a silver medal for the unassisted swim and a gold medal for the assisted swim, Missy Laker was awarded the gold medal for the 50 meter backstroke and also placed fifth in the 50 meter freestyle.
Lastly, but certainly not least, given her two gold medals, Beverly Hudson won the 25 and the 50 meter freestyle. Hudson, a 10-year-old from Sagle Elementary, also competes for the Monarchs in bocce and bowling.
Meanwhile on the track, Hayley Thompson got the gold for the 100 meter dash and the bronze for the running long jump.
Michele Couldry received silver medals in both the 100 meter race walk and the women’s softball throw.
Roy Burrows placed fifth in both the 100 meter dash and the men’s softball throw, Caitlin Bayles earned gold in the 30 meter wheelchair race and the 100 meter wheelchair race.
Chelsea Dennis got a gold medal in both the 400 meter wheelchair race and a silver medal in the 30 meter wheelchair slalom.