Riverton’s Kayla Strohecker claims gold medal at Special Olympics USA games

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
• 7^TH – 200 M Dash

BOWLING

Tahia Grosch – Sheridan

• GOLD – Doubles
• 4^TH – Singles

Byrlie Thomas – Evanston

• GOLD – Singles
• GOLD – Doubles

POWERLIFTING

Bill Norman – Casper

• BRONZE – Dead Lift
• 4^TH – Combination
• 4^TH – Squat
• 5^TH – 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
• 4^TH – 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 – 5^th 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