Burke High Schooler Brings Home Gold From Special Olympics VA Summer Games

BURKE, VA — Burke resident Reina Westhoff, a junior at Lake Braddock Secondary School, won a gold medal in the 50-yard freestyle and a silver medal in both the 25-yard freestyle and backstroke at the Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games in Richmond.

Reina, who was representing Northern Virginia at the Special Olympics Virginia State Games held June 10-11, also achieved personal best times in each of the swimming events.

While inspired by her swimming hero Michael Phelps, Reina attributed her success to her coaches — Elizabeth Thompson and Jenny Henry — and all the volunteers who have encouraged her at Adapted Aquatics classes over the past 10 plus years.

When not competing in the state games, Reina trains with her team, the Lee District Sea Lions, at Lee District Recreational Center and competes in swim meets across Northern Virginia and the D.C. area.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Summer Games in Richmond were the first Special Olympics State Games since 2019.

The games began with opening ceremonies at the University of Richmond. The games included hundreds of athletes from across Virginia competing in swimming, tennis, track and field, bowling and softball.

Athletes and volunteers can find more information about Special Olympics in Northern Virginia and across the state at https://novasova.org and https://specialolympicsva.org.