Lisa Elsener of Prairie Village, Kansas, started competing in Special Olympics at 8 years old, 46 years ago. Participating in four Special Olympics World Games, Lisa has won medals in figure skating, short track speed skating and swimming. For her return to the Special Olympics World Games, she will represent Special Olympics USA in Alpine skiing. In 1998, Lisa competed in the International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships, held in New Zealand. Lisa has set countless records and earned numerous awards through her participation in sports. In 1990, her efforts were celebrated through her induction into the Special Olympics Kansas Hall of Fame.
For 35 years, she has worked in dining services for Johnson County Community College. An avid runner, she has spent more than three decades completing triathlons. Traveling to Italy to represent her country is a dream come true for Lisa.