Special Olympians compete in Columbus

COLUMBU(AP) — Lifeguards lined the pool, one for each competing swimmer, during the state’s first Special Olympics aquatics meet nearly four decades ago.

Questions about the athletes’ capabilities have been washed away since then, and the annual competition for swimmers with intellectual disabilities has made a habit of proving that any perceived disadvantage, including age, can be overcome.

The two-day event drew 484 athletes from across the state this weekend to the Ohio State University McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion to contend for the gold, silver and bronze in more than 200 events. Swimmers, some in their 60s and 70s, have competed in the meet for 37 years.

Swimming is the third most popular of the 19 sports in the Special Olympics Ohio, after track and field and bowling, said program director Marty Allen.

“The community has learned, and we have learned, that our athletes are like any athletes,” he said, recalling the early years. “They may not swim as fast ... but given good coaching, they can do very well.”

Still, these athletes have to overcome challenges that others don’t.

Swimmer Kathy Wagar, who has autism, was paralyzed by the sound of the starting gun and would cry, clinging to the side of the pool, when she competed as a child.

Now Wagar, who turns 50 today, is one of the longest-competing athletes in the organization and one of the fastest female swimmers in her age group. She’ll race in the 200-meter freestyle, with an entry time of 4 minutes, 4.2 seconds.

Wagar, from Kent, in northeastern Ohio, has competed nationally in skiing and long jump, as well.

“That’s what’s so great about Special Olympics. They can do it all their lives,” said her sister, Julie Wagar. “It’s wonderful to see the challenges they experience as younger athletes and see how they work through them.”

The team from the Franklin County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities included one of the oldest competitors this weekend.

Oscar Goldsmith, 61, held the best entry time in his age group, 1:50.8, for the 50-meter backstroke.

His teammate, Hugh “Hollywood” Brunney, 46, nicknamed for his history of dramatic athletic performances, is one of the longest-competing athletes with Special Olympics Ohio. He started when he was 12 years old and credits the program for improving not only his athletic skills but also life outside the water.

When the athletes overcome challenges in their sports, it gives them the confidence to learn new skills in their everyday lives, said Ryan Phillips, who coordinates MRDD’s Special Olympics program.