By Sean Minnihan
Dawn Albritton is a gold medal-winning athlete and one of 10 swimmers headed to Seattle this July for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.
Freestyle swimming may be her favorite event, but Dawn’s life and interests vary from horseback riding, to anime, to being on the news and speaking about Special Olympics.
When Dawn first started swimming in high school, she was looking for a place that provides sports options for athletes with special needs. In just a short amount of time, Dawn found out what Special Olympics was able to bring to her and has excelled over the last seven years of participation.
“I get to make friends which last a long time. I get to be competitive, I get to learn new experiences and go to games and trips,” Dawn said.
Her passion for success and taking on new challenges continued with her selection for the 2014 USA Games in New Jersey. Dawn said her success wouldn’t have been possible without her two role models: her coach Janet Galindo and her grandmother.
“[My coach] and her family were always been there for me during Special Olympics. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am now,” Dawn said.
Growing up, Dawn had the support of her grandmother, who was instrumental to her success in the pool and in life.
“She drives me everywhere,” Dawn said. “She drives me to every event I need to go to. She’s always there for me… She’s my life.”
With the support of her family, friends, and coaches, Dawn has her sight set on a gold medal this summer at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games. Get to know more about Dawn: