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Athletes

No One Can Make Me Feel Less Than

Kiera Byland smiling. Sitting on public transportation, long blond hair and blue eyes.

Guest Submission From Kiera Byland, Special Olympics Great Britain Athlete Leader

Athlete Kiera Byland with her medals won from competing in the Special Olympics World Games

Hello, my name is Kiera Byland. I am 19 years old and I live in the Northwest of England in Great Britain. At primary school, I just couldn’t seem to keep friends. I tried to participate in sports but I got teased because I couldn’t run fast enough, I couldn’t kick a ball well enough, I didn’t have hand and eye coordination, so that limited what I could play so others got fed up. Secondary school just got worse as I faced cyberbullying and the school didn’t take it seriously at all. I had no confidence and would hide food in my room to eat.

So where am I now from having NO friends, NO life, being overweight unfit and VERY unhappy? I teach and compete with the swim club Cheshire Penguins. I have been chosen to be part of the 2019 World Games cycle squad going to Abu Dhabi to defend my titles. I’m also the Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB) vice chair for our first Athlete Input Council (AIC).

I am confident, I am of value, and most of all I am myself, no one can make me feel less than that anymore, I have ID and I’m proud to be who I am. I am, after all, ME.

Read More here.

"No One Can Make Me Feel Less Than"

Europe/Eurasia Kiera Byland Great Britain World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Cycling 50th Anniversary Europe/Eurasia Abu Dhabi 2019 Cycling Great Britain 50th Anniversary

Read more about our athletes

Special Olympics Athlete Drives with His Passion, Delivers as Independent Provider In January 2024, after five months of hard work, Antrone “Juice” Williams received his Non-Medical Independent Transportation Provider license, something he takes great pride in.
MATP Makes a Splash with Special Olympics Middle East/North Africa Region The SO MENA MATP Coach event was conducted in Kuwait from September 6 – 10, 2024.
Daina Shilts Reported on Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 for ESPN Daina Shilts is a Special Olympics North America snowboarder who has worked with ESPN as a sport reporter at previous Special Olympics World Games, Special Olympics USA Games, and other large sporting events.
Patrice Jetter With over 100 medals won from Special Olympics, Patrice Jetter is an accomplished athlete. From bocce, to bowling, cheerleading, figure skating and gymnastics, she proudly displays medals from each sport, each victory on her wall.
EsmeeAnne Becomes First Special Olympics Athlete from Europe to Complete a 70.3 IRONMAN On 1 September 2024, Special Olympics Netherlands athlete EsmeeAnne de Meulmeester ran, swam and cycled her heart out to complete a half IRONMAN in Duisburg, Germany.