It takes special qualities to become an Olympian. Drive and determination. Strength and skill.
Qualities possessed by Fresno Olympian Patty Schmidt.
"The silver I came in 2nd place in the 25 meter run. Then the gold medal I am so proud of em for the turbo javelin.. And the 50 meter run."
She's a winner all right! Took three medals at the Special Olympic track and field finals last month at UC Davis. She's got the skills... And something more a special spirit.
"I was thinking oh my goodness. I was just thinking please i hope they do good please I hope they do good. Your competitors? Yeah. You wanted them to do good? Yeah."
"She cheered on every single person that would come back with their medals and she's cheering them and so she really is probably one of the biggest .. I don't know you're part of my cheer team i guess.. Yeah."
Coach Katy Wamsley says patty is a standout athlete for many reasons. Her heart and competitive edge. She's won lots of medals through the years. And has some advice for the U.S. Olympians headed for London.
"If I speak to those athletes I would say do a good job and win plain and simple. Plain and simple as that.. Yes."
There is a Special Olympic motto. Recited at every single event. "Let me win, but if I can not win, let me be brave in my attempt." qualities possessed by this special athlete. She cheered... She conquered.. She came home with the gold.
"Yeah gold medals. Silver.. Bronze.. Yeah I was going to say go Fresno whoooo hooo."
TXT 24
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