Plymouth Track Athlete Shines at Special Olympics USA Games

The energy was contagious this week at the University of Minnesota track and field stadium. That’s not surprising– it’s the Special Olympics USA games, after all.

This year’s USA Games are being hosted in Minnesota. Thousands of athletes, volunteers and coaches from across the country are there for the free event. It spans a variety of different sports, ranging from track and field to team-based events like basketball.

Elizabeth Neuville is one of those local athletes. The Plymouth resident competed in the 200, 100 and 4×100 meter relay. Her loved ones were excited to come support her on the national stage — and close to home.

“Just the excitement of all the athletes and being up here with the group. It’s just been a blast,” said Janie Gardner, one of Neuville’s fans in the stands.

“The energy’s huge here. You’ve got all the different states,” said fan Chuck Gardner. “It’s fun just to see the groups of people. It’s lots of fun.”

Elizabeth Neuville’s fans, including Chuck and Janie Gardner, cheer her on during her 200-meter race.

On the National Stage

Neuville’s been preparing for this moment since childhood. She got involved with Special Olympics at a young age and found an affinity for a variety of sports, including short-distance running. But she’s never been on a true national stage until now.

“This is my first time ever competing in the USA Games, which is so cool,” Neuville said.

Her mom, Patty Neuville, qualified as a coach, too. They worked together for her to leave it all on the track and test her competitive spirit. She told CCX earlier this month that one of her goals is to always beat the boys. There weren’t any boys in her 200-meter race, but that didn’t stop her imagination.

“It was just girls, but still I pretended they were!” Neuville said.

Though it feels good to take some wins, Neuville was focused on the friendship and support from family and friends.

“I just love that everyone came out to support and be a part of a really big movement,” Neuville said. “I’m just so excited that I get to meet new friends from all over the state.”

Elizabeth Neuville, second from left, poses for a photo with her fellow athlete Mikayla Holmgren and their fans.

Award-Winning Athletes

Neuville competed in both preliminary and final races for each of her events. She and her team earned a second-place medal for her 4×100 relay final.

Other local athletes also competed in the USA Games this last week. Lucy Schneider of Brooklyn Park earned five first-place medals in gymnastics.

Brooklyn Park | Plymouth