Brandon Waller of Palatine, Illinois, has participated in Special Olympics for more than 11 years, competing in athletics, snowshoeing, soccer, softball and volleyball. He will represent Special Olympics USA at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 in snowshoeing. Gaining confidence and self-discipline, Brandon credits Special Olympics with helping him grow as a person and athlete leader. An avid runner, Brandon was a part of his high school’s track and cross-country team. He has competed in the Special Olympics 800m race at “Distance Night in Palatine,” winning first place the last three years.
In preparation for the World Winter Games, Brandon is using his love of running to benefit his training by choosing shorter running distances in order to be more like snowshoeing distances. He is currently employed at Harper College, working in a food service support role. When he isn’t training, competing or working, Brandon enjoys reading and journaling. Representing Special Olympics USA at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 is what Brandon calls, “a dream come true.”