Thierno Diop of New York, New York, has been involved with Special Olympics for three years as an athlete competing in basketball and soccer. He will represent Special Olympics USA in soccer. A high school student at 721M, Thierno competes with the City Hawks Unified Training Club soccer team. With his team, Thierno represented Special Olympics New York in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, where his team won gold. Participating in Special Olympics has changed his life, surrounding him with supportive friends. He has gained confidence from being part of a team.
Outside of Special Olympics, his hobbies include spending time with friends, playing video games and practicing basketball. For Thierno, attending the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 means being one step closer to becoming like his idol, professional basketball athlete LeBron James.