President’s Corner: July

A Deep Dive into the Strength of Our Sports Programs

At Special Olympics Maryland, swimming offers a powerful example of the depth and quality we strive to provide across all our sports programs.

During Summer Games, athletes competed in events designed for a full range of ages, abilities and experience levels. The schedule included assisted and unassisted swims, flotation and kickboard events, individual races ranging from 25 yards to 1,500 yards, all four competitive strokes, individual medleys and traditional and Unified relays.

That range is important. It allows athletes who are just beginning to develop confidence in the water to compete alongside experienced swimmers pursuing increasingly challenging goals. Every event provides an opportunity for athletes to test their skills, celebrate their progress and experience the pride that comes from meaningful competition.

Our swimmers also demonstrate the very best of sport: preparation, perseverance, courage, teamwork and a determination to finish strong.

We saw that spirit when Zoee Flacks came from behind to win a gold medal in the 100-yard individual medley at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Her performance reflected the commitment she brings to every practice and competition. Before Summer Games, Zoee was also featured by WBAL-TV, providing viewers with an opportunity to learn more about her journey and the dedication required to compete at a high level.

Our final day of Summer Games swim competition Sunday morning typically begins at 8:00 a.m. with one of the weekend’s most demanding events – the 1,500-yard freestyle. Eight athletes competed across three divisions, each completing 60 laps. Ethan Davidson of Howard County finished in 27:36 to earn gold in his division, while Nick Stewart completed the race in 40:51.51 to place third in his division. Their effort required endurance, focus and the courage to continue lap after lap.

Here are all eight swimmers. I captured a brief message from all the swimmers on the deck just prior to the start of the race and Nick Stewart after his race.  ( 1500 yard freestyle swimmers pre-race, Nick Stewart Post Race).

These performances represent only a small portion of what took place throughout the weekend. The official results span 93 pages and document athletes competing in multiple divisions based on age, gender and ability, helping provide fair and meaningful competition.

Most importantly, every swimmer had an opportunity to belong, improve and compete. Some entered the water with assistance. Others raced hundreds of yards, completed individual medleys or joined teammates in a relay. Each athlete demonstrated why high-quality sports training and competition remain at the heart of our mission.

Our swimmers do much more than earn medals. They show us what is possible when people are given the opportunity, coaching and support to pursue their goals. They demonstrate the depth of our programs – and the very best in sport.

Thank you to our athletes, Unified teammates, coaches, volunteers, families and supporters for making these opportunities possible. Together, through sport, we are creating a world where opportunity is not limited by disability. And thank your to all the swim volunteers from staging to awards who provided another memorable and meaningful experience for our athletes. Finally, a special thanks to Rob Dobry who serves as our Head Official for swimming. Rob has been a USA Swimming official since 1987. His commitment to leading the team of officials ensures that our swimmers get a world class swim experience. Thank you Rob and all of our swim competition volunteers.

Related Videos and Coverage

• Watch Zoee Flacks’ comeback victory
• Watch WBAL-TV’s feature on Zoee
• View the complete 2026 swimming results

Experience Inclusion,

Jim Schmutz

President and CEO

PS And finally, a non-swimming story worth sharing. There are so many incredible competitive successes to share and stories to tell and while we can’t come close to telling them all this one from the USA Games is absolutely worth sharing. The same come from behind spirit shown by Zoee Flacks was on display in the women’s 4×100-meter relay at the 2026 USA Games. Four Special Olympics Maryland athetes combined their individual strengths, supported one another and competed as one team. Relays remind us that while running may appear to be an individual sport, teammates, coaches, families and volunteers all contribute to an athlete’s success.  Watch the women’s 4×100 relay.