Minnesota Special Olympics Athlete Finds More Than Winning at 2026 USA Games

(KNSI) – Growing up, Danielle Laughton has only ever heard and been told “no,” whether it was about her chances of succeeding in school choir or in sports. But at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, she discovered how truly she can shine in athletics and build some unforgettable memories along the way.

Laughton, a Minnesota native, is competing in the Athletics category at the games, which are being held at the University of Minnesota and National Sports Center in Blaine from Saturday, June 20 to Friday, June 26. The category encompasses track-and-field events such as walking and relay races ranging from 50 to 10,000 meters, as well as shot put, mini javelin, and high jump.

Laughton has competed in multiple events within the Athletics category as part of the Litchfield Spitfire team. She finished the 100-meter walk with a time of 26.96 seconds, scored a distance of 7.54 meters in Shot Put, and a height of 2.13 meters in the Running Long Jump.

Laughton told KNSI News that living out in the country gave her plenty of hills and valleys to run on for practice. For shot put, she purchased one online and recruited two coaches through Facebook to help her train. These steps, she said, were key to preparing her for the games.

Being part of the Special Olympics, she added, was a dream come true for her, calling it a place where her abilities could be recognized. “I got told that, being disabled, I couldn’t play anything. I was kicked out of every chance to be in a sport every day for about 11 years. I was told no while being pushed around, all while I trying to find a place, whether it was sports or friends, just to be seen.”

Upon hearing about the Special Olympics, Laughton said she embraced the opportunity to be seen and heard. Being part of the games, she said, also put her in a leadership role, helping other athletes unlock their full potential. “It’s really important to me where I can teach and help others around me join in, so they can fulfill what they’re capable of. I never had that opportunity, and I wanted to pass it on so that no kid would ever have to feel that way again.”

Laughton said that while the next USA Games are still four years away, she would jump back in once the opportunity comes. “I would do everything all over and push myself even more. This was such a wonderful experience, with amazing people all around me. I would absolutely sign up for another round, and even the one after that.”

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