14-year-old gymnast’s heartwarming reaction to Special Olympics selection

The heartwarming moment a teenage gymnast was surprised with the news she was selected to compete in the Special Olympics has gone viral.

The heartwarming moment a teenage gymnast was surprised with the news she was selected to compete in the Special Olympics has gone viral.

Izzy Brinkerhoff, who has Down syndrome, thought she was going car shopping with her sister when she entered Mohawk Chevrolet on May 25. Instead, the 14-year-old was greeted with confetti and balloons in her honour, according to a report by the Times Union.

The athlete’s family, coach Marlene Michels, and Special Olympics New York President and CEO Stacey Hengsterman were there to break the news that she’ll compete on the New York team in the Special Olympics USA Games in 2022.

“My dream come true!” Brinkerhoff yelled in a video of the moment. “I feel really good.”

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President & CEO of Special Olympics NY Stacey Hengsterman tells Izzy Brinkerhoff she will be competing in the USA Games in 2022. @timesunionpic.twitter.com/0HKckRWSn4

— Wendy Liberatore (@wendyliberatore) May 25, 2021

According to the Times Union, the gymnast was genuinely stunned – but celebrated by doing some cartwheels inside the dealership.

She was selected from hundreds of local Special Olympics athletes to compete in the USA Games, which will be held next June at Florida’s Disney World.

Brinkerhoff will compete on the balance beam, bars, vault and floor exercises with a team of boys and girls during the 10-day competition.

Speaking to the publication, Ms Hengsterman said that she “checked with her parents first to see if we could surprise her”.

“It’s worth every second of planning. It’s just awesome. She’s great. I’m super proud of her,” she said, describing the Special Olympics USA Games as just like the regular Olympics.

“We want to be an experience, to be part of a delegation. It’s an incredible opportunity for them.”

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The heartwarming moment a teenage gymnast was surprised with the news she was selected to compete in the Special Olympics has gone viral. Picture: Twitter

Brinkerhoff’s coach said she was thrilled for the teen, calling it an “incredible” achievement.

“I’m so proud of her. She does so well and trains so hard. It’s an incredible honour,” she said.

According to WAMC, Brinkerhoff has been competing for six years and is a 10-time Special Olympics gold medallist.

She told the public radio station that she loves to see her family cheering her on in the stadium.

“I bring my whole family. My parents come and watch,” she said.

“They shout my name.”