Ferris Completes Run at Special Olympics, Returns Home a Winner

During the past few weeks, McLean Patch has followed local Special Olympics athlete Luke Ferris’ journey from Northern Virginia to this year’s Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

Ferris’ story is quite remarkable. A quick recap: Luke has autism, and when he was a young child he used to be afraid of the water when his family would visit the beach. Over time, however, he grew comfortable near the water and eventually developed a passion for swimming.

Ferris was one of only a small handful of Americans to post a qualifying time in the 1500-meter open water swim for this year’s World Games, a relatively new event in which Luke has thrived thanks to a team he trains with at the National Harbor. He traveled across the country to compete in the games, and we have followed his story ever since.

Click here to read Luke Ferris’ full backstory

Ferris placed fourth in the open water event, and his father John told Patch Tuesday morning that Luke went on to finish in sixth in the 800-meter freestyle, and fifth in the 4x250-meter relay, both of which are indoor events.

The Ferris family has now safely returned home to McLean, and while John said the experience was amazing for Luke and the entire Ferris family — citing examples like Luke’s ability to live on his own in the athletes’ dorms despite limited communication skills — he also noted Luke seems to be happy to be home once again.

“Luke came home last night and immediately fell asleep. (It was) a great experience all around,” John Ferris said. “He was very happy to get home and see his dogs last night, and his family.”

Photo credit: John Ferris