Kayla Strohecker is bringing a gold medal back to Riverton.
Strohecker competed last week in the 2018 Special Olympics USA games in Seattle, Washington. She joined more than 4,000 other athletes and coaches from across the country who competed in 14 different team and individual sports.
The 30-year-old out-did the competition in swimming. She swam to a gold medal in the 25 meter backstroke. Kayla also won two bronze medals in both the 50 meter backstroke and 50 meter freestyle.
Kayla’s represented Wyoming on a global level, as her gold medal performance was broadcast on ESPN. You can watch the event here, and by fast forwarding to about the 1:24:00 mark.
“Last week the eyes of the nation were on Seattle, Washington and the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, and Wyoming was represented by an amazing group of athletes, partners, families, coaches, and staff, said Special Olympics Wyoming President/CEO Priscilla Dowse. This group was unprecedented in their accomplishments and successes; it’s moments like this that I am so humbled and honored to be a part of this organization. The 2018 games kicked off the ‘inclusion revolution’ and the work by Special Olympics to assure that every person with intellectual disabilities is recognized, respected, and included.”
Special Olympics Wyoming is a not-for-profit organization providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities; offering them continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Special Olympics Wyoming changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.
Several other Wyoming athletes brought home medals, below is a breakdown of Wyoming competitors and their awards:
ATHLETICS
Tyler George – Douglas Masters
- SILVER – 100 M Dash
- BRONZE – Long Jump
- 7TH – 200 M Dash
BOWLING
Tahia Grosch – Sheridan
- GOLD – Doubles
- 4TH – Singles
Byrlie Thomas – Evanston
- GOLD – Singles
- GOLD – Doubles
POWERLIFTING
Bill Norman – Casper
- BRONZE – Dead Lift
- 4TH – Combination
- 4TH – Squat
- 5TH – Bench Press
Kelby Woolf – Laramie
- BRONZE – Combination
- BRONZE – Squat
- BRONZE – Bench Press
- BRONZE – Dead Lift
Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg
Ret. Officer Julie Wickett – Glenrock
Officer Matt Koritnik – Powell
Chief Ron Casalenda – Douglas
SWIMMING
Kyle Biggs – Crook County
- SILVER – 25 M Backstroke
- SILVER – 50 M Backstroke
- 4TH – 100 M Freestyle
Kayla Strohecker – Riverton
- GOLD – 25 M Backstroke
- BRONZE – 50 M Backstroke
- BRONZE – 50 M Freestyle
UNIFIED SPORTS® GOLF – BRONZE
Kris Lovett – Casper
Connor Diller – Casper
UNIFIED SPORTS® BASKETBALL – 5th Place
Justin England – Star Valley
Brendan Burke – Jackson
William Dennis – Jackson
Kaden Fry – Evanston
Breanne Gardner – Star Valley
Chandler Jones – Sublette County
Meille Merritt – Star Valley
Ripley Shultz – Jackson
Kamber Luster – Sublette County
Tanner Spatig – Evanston
Youth Activation Summit
Craig Wasia – Cody
Jonathan Sanchez – Cody