By Ken Jarvis, Area Media Specialist
Sam West is a lot of things. He’s a member of the Indian Springs congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a young adult, a son, a brother and he has Down syndrome. Sam West is also an Olympic athlete winning a gold medal in the 25m free style swimming event at the Special Olympics 2022 USA Games in Orlando, FL.
“When we lived in California we visited San Antonio for the National Down Syndrome Association meetings,” said his father Chuck West. “We were so impressed by the level of support from the local group that we decided if there was ever an opportunity to move to San Antonio we would. In a few years a position opened up and we were able to move.”
According to his mom, Becky West, the whole family loves to swim. “Three mornings a week Sam swims for an hour straight. He does the backstroke and free style.”
Unlike the traditional Olympics, the selection for the Special Olympics is done by lottery. Sam attended a training camp at Morgan’s Wonderland near San Antonio. “The athletes do care if they win but when they get out of the water they all hug and high five each other,” said Becky. “They’re happy to be with their friends and doing something that they love.”
Chuck added that the Special Olympics not only gives them an opportunity to compete but also gives them a chance to travel and live independently. Sam hates flying but he mustered the courage to travel from Texas to Florida with the team and live away from home. Becky said, “He handled this beautifully on his own. He loved the camaraderie of being around his team as well as his friends and coaches.”
When Sam returned home, his participation was celebrated by members of his congregation. They gathered on the family’s front lawn and cheered when Sam came out to show his gold medal and receive hugs (and beaded necklaces).
Becky summed up the entire experience saying, “Sam developed a level of independence that we’ve never seen in him. That’s been a humbling, eye-opening and beautiful experience. With the safety net of loving coaches and teammates, it’s been a privilege to see Sam blossom this week.”
