Little City dominates at 2018 Illinois Special Olympics

The weight of expectation did not hold the Little City Special Olympics team down. In fact, all the Little City Special Olympics team did was lift any weight put in front of them.

Little City experienced more incredible success at the 2018 Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games as they brought home 37 medals including 18 golds from the annual June competition that brings together the state’s best Special Olympics athletes.

The only thing that was able to slow down Little City was the weather. Extreme heat caused the cancellation of numerous events on Saturday, meaning only 21 of the 26 Little City athletes ended up competing. Coach Tim Lahart had little doubt there were more golds to be won.

“We had a good showing for a small delegation. It was exciting to see all the success we had,” Tim said. “The way we prepare, success is expected.”

And the success was unparalleled in some instances. The power lifting team once again led the way, with 14 of the 18 golds. The golds came in first-ever feats as Kevin M. recorded the heaviest lift in the entire state with an incredible deadlift pull of 450 pounds. History was also made when Jimmy S. became the first Little City athlete to sweep his entire weight class.

Jimmy, who competes in the 130-pound division for power lifting, recorded the best bench press, squat and deadlift in his class. The total combined weight was 505 pounds, which resulted in Jimmy winning four golds at the Games.

In addition to the dominance displayed by the power lifting team, Little City took three golds and silver and a bronze in track and field, a silver in swimming and a gold, silver and two bronze medals in bocce ball.

The strong showing of success has Tim hoping the team will once again boost its numbers after having 10 fewer athletes compared to 2017.

“I hope that we’re able to boost our numbers in track and field and bocce, who usually perform even better than they did this year,” Tim said. “I’d like to see swimming continue to develop and grow and for the power lifters to just keep getting stronger and breaking records.”

The rampant success of Little City’s Special Olympics team has not gone unnoticed. Tim was selected to coach the Illinois power lifters at the Special Olympics U.S. Games in Seattle this July. Tim has been working on the weekends to prepare his contingent of lifters for the national competition and hopefully replicate the success he has spurred at home in Little City.

“They’re definitely ready,” Tim said. “I’m excited about it. They all worked hard.”