Amanda Leonard of Aurora, Colorado, was introduced to Special Olympics in 1992, first participating in soccer with Special Olympics Young Athletes at the age of 6. She currently competes in Alpine skiing, bowling and swimming. In the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, she will represent Special Olympics USA in swimming. Amanda has competed in over 30 state-level competitions and in the 2010 Special Olympics USA Games, where she won gold in swimming. In 2014, Amanda was named Special Olympics Colorado Female Athlete of the Year. She is an active member of the Special Olympics Colorado Young Professionals Board and volunteers regularly in the state office.
Amanda loves to ride her bike with her father and has participated in seven Multiple Sclerosis Society bike rides, helping to raise money and awareness for the organization. She is employed at the Hyatt Regency Denver as a hostess at Former Saint Craft Kitchen and Taps. Year-round, Amanda trains and works with a personal swim coach, building her strength, endurance and techniques in the water. She looks forward to showing the world what she can do.