Special Olympics Athlete of the Year Miami Dade

I was on the bus heading to the State Bowling Competition when it sunken in. I didn't even know there was such an award. As we arrived at the State Bowling competition, my mom received a call, "Hey, Madison was selected as the torch bearer for the opening ceremony. Can you make your way to the big bowling pin, please?" We had just stepped off the bus when I had to run to meet Terence, get a T-shirt and script, and practice in 20 minutes. Thank goodness I can move swiftly. Although nervous, I walked with the torch with the biggest smile; I have always wanted the opportunity to be a torch bearer, and now it is a reality.

I was five years old when I told my parents I wanted to do gymnastics. We were living overseas then, and the schedule conflicted with my mom's job. Five months after returning to the USA, I was enrolled with Leap. The coaches at Leap and I clicked. Gymnastics became my go-to as many Autistic children struggle with transition, tantrums, and meltdowns. Somehow, being in the gym, flipping, twisting, and cartwheeling, among other skills, relaxes me. The more I trained, the less meltdown I had. When I began training at Leap, I did not meet the qualifications for Special Olympics.  At the same time, I was also preparing for swimming. Once I met the Special Olympics qualification, my gymnastics and swimming coaches signed me up. It has been non-stop since then. During summer, my brother Elijah begged for me to join in at Bowling.

It turned out terrific; as his teammate we won first place in Bowling. Gymnastics has been and will always be my primary sport, but in 2024, I will begin tough training for Track and Field and yes I will be still training for gymnastics. Gymnastics is a year-round sport.

 I am grateful for my parents and the team of therapists, coaches, and family that believes in me. When I was younger, I was not easy to deal with. My speech therapist would give me those looks. Coach Lauren has seen me at my lowest and my highest. In my lowest moments, she became my second mom; she would sit and wait out my meltdown, just like my mom would. I didn't just have one therapist; I had several from Youth N Action, including my fitness coach. They know me so well that they incorporate fitness into my OT session, making OT much more fun. And my fitness coach pushed me to the limit, but he would never win. I always pushed myself until he told me to stop.  I share my Athlete of the Year award with my parents. Without them, I would not be where I am today. I drive my parents up the wall, but they have never failed me. My parents altered their lives so I could accomplish my goals. As 2024 rolls around, I have a few goals in mind; my mom has already had me place them on my vision board, and with my parent's help, they shall come to pass.

      2022 Qualified for Special Olympics State Competition