(Geneva, OH) – High school-age athletes from across the country made their way to Geneva, Ohio, this weekend to take part in President Donald Trump’s 2026 Patriot Games. Among those chosen to compete is Lander’s own Grace Washut, a sophomore homeschool student who also attends Lander Valley High School part time. President Trump announced the formation of the Games last year, which came to fruition as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
A girl and a boy from each state and territory were chosen for the Games, which “feature a series of athletic challenges designed to test strength, endurance, agility, teamwork, and perseverance, including a Presidential Fitness Test, a military-inspired boot camp circuit, an obstacle course, and team competitions such as Kickball, Dodgeball, Tug of War, and ‘Victory Hoops,'” according to the Patriot Games website.
Grace is joined by Sundance High School sophomore Luke Halverson to represent Wyoming. The winners of the Games, one boy and one girl, will ultimately split a $250,000 prize.
County 10 was able to catch up with Grace’s mom, Erin, yesterday, who explained that Grace had to submit a video and an essay as part of the application process. Erin said Grace was “definitely excited” when she found out she was chosen, which she didn’t learn until almost a week after the announcement because she was on a backpacking trip. She added that Grace was especially looking forward to meeting peers from across the nation and being on ESPN.
“I’m so proud of her for putting herself out there,” Erin shared with County 10. “It’s amazing to see her go out and do her best; it’s just exciting to know what she’s capable of! She’s got grit!” Erin added that her husband, Kyle, and Grace’s four younger siblings are all cheering her on at home.
Readers may recognize Grace’s last name, Washut, as her sister Miriam also competed on the national stage this summer, where she was crowned the national champion of the inaugural Presidential 1776 Award competition.
Outside of sports, Erin says Grace is “super creative,” is learning to play guitar, and even starred as Oliver in the Lander Valley’s 2025 production of the musical ‘Oliver!’
When County 10 messaged Erin yesterday, she let us know that Grace did track events on Sunday, including broad jump, agility shuttle, medicine ball toss, the 100 m dash, hurdles, and the bent-arm hang, and she also participated in team sports, including dodgeball and kickball. Erin said that Grace finished the varsity circuit, and was on her way to the military-style “Operation Endurance,” which took place ahead of any cuts that would be made before that night’s tug-of-war and ‘victory hoops’ competitions.
The finale will be an “American Ninja-style course,” Erin explained, adding that the goal of the Games is to find an all-around athlete who can showcase a variety of skills, like “strength, speed, teamwork, and mental endurance.”
The Patriot Games wrap up tonight at 5 PM MT, and a primetime special on ESPN and ABC will air at 7 PM MT this Thursday, August 13. For more broadcasting information and details on how to watch the rest of today’s live coverage, click here, or check out ESPN’s streaming app.