LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Several Lake County Special Olympians put on spectacular performances at a meet in Marin County earlier this month.
John Lahti, Jordan Marquardt, Charles Nolan, Mike Stevens and Tyler Stiles competed in the 2013 Marin Games in San Rafael on Saturday, May 18, joining other Special Olympians from around the region.
The athletes were coached at the competition by Keith and Angela Austin, now in their third year coaching track and field. Janine Elliott and Chuck Nolan assisted the Austins.
Lake County Special Olympics coaches reported that this was the most successful year they’ve had in the competition, with all of the local athletes winning medals and none of the athletes placing lower than third.
Newcomer John Lahti – a transfer from South Lake Tahoe Special Olympics – threw the shot put close to 11 meters. His coaches reported that the crowd watching was in awe at his throw.
Lake County’s relay team – composed of Stevens, Nolan, Marquardt and Stiles – also made an exciting comeback.
They were behind in the relay for the first two runners, with the third runner, Jordan Marquardt, making up enough distance to catch back up and come in only behind by a few steps.
Tyler Stiles was the final runner in the relay. As Marquardt was passing the baton to Stiles, he fumbled it several times and almost tripped and fell.
On the last fumble, Stiles caught the baton while in mid air and raced to the finish line to capture the gold medal in what coaches said was a race that was both amazing and exciting to watch.
More good news – local Special Olympics officials reported this week that they have been assigned five berths in this June’s summer games, gaining one additional spot for local Special Olympians.
Advancement is based on an allotment process by area, number of athletes in training, and gold and silver medal athletes.
Full event results for all Lake County Special Olympians are posted below.