Annastasia Maloney of Grass Valley, California, has competed with Special Olympics for five years. In that time, she has participated in athletics, basketball, flag football, soccer and softball. She will represent Special Olympics USA in athletics. In 2022, Annastasia competed in athletics at the Special Olympics USA Games. Through Special Olympics, Annastasia has met many new friends and has learned the importance of athlete leadership. For the past two years, she has served as a Global Messenger, promoting the Special Olympics movement in her community. At the age of 9, Annastasia was adopted and continues to be supported daily by her adoptive family.
Following her high school graduation, she lives on her own and enjoys cooking, working, dirt biking and spending time with her friends. Annastasia is employed by Tess’ Kitchen Store as a sales associate and attends Sierra College. She works out with a personal trainer and is running with her brother, preparing to represent her country in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.