Gina Grant of Pembroke Pines, Florida, has been involved in Special Olympics since 2006, competing in basketball, bowling, stand up paddleboard, surfing, swimming, tennis and volleyball. She will represent Special Olympics USA in open water swimming. Her focus has always been swimming, specifically distance swimming in lakes and in the ocean. Growing up watching her older brother compete in swimming, Gina yearned to try, eventually graduating from 100-meter distances to 1,500 meters. She won a silver medal in the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and two gold medals in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Competing all over the world, she enjoys traveling and being part of a team. As part of her training regimen, she trains with a U.S. Masters Swimming team.
Special Olympics has introduced Gina to her competitive side and to friends who are supportive of her endeavors. She has developed her confidence and is learning to advocate for herself in and out of the water, surrounded by coaches, athletes and family members cheering her on.