Brooklyn Park Gymnast To Showcase Talents in Special Olympics USA Games

Lucy Schneider, a Brooklyn Park gymnast, is among the athletes who qualified for the Special Olympics USA Games this year. Her coach says she’s ready.

“I really like trying to figure out how to get them to be able to do what they want to do,” said Megan Johnski, who has coached Special Olympic athletes for many years.

The Special Olympics USA Games take place on the University of Minnesota campus this year beginning June 20. Johnski was chosen to be a coach for Team Minnesota athletes, her second time doing it.

“It is an amazing program,” Johnski said, referring to the Special Olympics program.

Local Talent

Schneider, a Park Center grad, is one of two athletes on Team Minnesota that Johnski coaches at North Shore Gymnastics in Maple Plain. 

“She really does make it easy to coach. And fun because she’s such a positive gymnast. She’s an athlete that wants to work hard and be here and do what she’s asked to do,” Johnski said.

This is Schneider’s first year qualifying for the USA Games. The 25-year-old started working with Special Olympics gymnastics when she was 8 years old.

“It’s a big thing that is going to be in my life forever, I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Schneider reflected.

She found out she was a part of the team through a live-streamed event sitting on the couch with her family. She remembers it being an emotional moment.

“The first I heard my name, I said ‘woohoo!’ and then I went into tears,” Schneider said.

Schneider said she likes floor the best, but will compete in bars, beam and vault as well at the games.

“[Gymnastics] really builds my confidence and it gives me a lot of challenge. It builds my skills. It’s kind of fun, too,” Schneider said. “It just breaks a lot of barriers for me.”

Lucy Schneider laughs with her coach, Megan Johnski, as she practices flipping on the bar.

Family and Found Family

Schneider’s mom, Mary Schneider, said it’s been fun watching her daughter grow as an athlete and now watching her go to the USA Games.

“Oh my God, it’s a huge deal. This has been her dream since she was little,” Mary Schneider said. “I see how far she’s come … she has learned so many skills in the last few years, and she’s been able to push herself.”

Mary Schneider said her daughter has found confidence, friendship and leadership opportunities through Special Olympics.

It’s a dream come true for athletes — and coaches — to show off their skills on a big stage. Especially right at home in Minnesota.

“It’s very heartwarming to see the athletes compete, and how excited they get,” Mary Schneider said. “Just great sportsmanship. So come out and watch. It’ll be fantastic.”

Lucy Schneider begins competition at the University of Minnesota on June 22. The Special Olympics USA Games are open to the public. You can learn more about the games and find a schedule at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games website.

Lucy Schneider fine-tunes her floor routine with her coach.

Brooklyn Park