Kearsty McCoy of Duncan, Oklahoma, started competing in athletics with Special Olympics in 2012, where she first discovered her love of competition. That year, she began competing in swimming, which become an instant focal point. She will represent Special Olympics USA in swimming. In 2013, Kearsty trained and competed with Special Olympics Utah before her family moved back to Oklahoma in 2014. Representing Oklahoma, Kearsty competed in the Special Olympics USA Games in 2018 and 2022. Special Olympics has allowed Kearsty the opportunity to improve skills that help in all areas of her life. In the pool, she has gained confidence. Born with a seizure disorder, Kearsty’s parents were told that she would never walk. She is continuing to prove otherwise.
After returning from the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, Kearsty helped in the founding of a local swim club for individuals with special needs, Specially Made Penguins. Through the club, Kearsty serves as a mentor for younger swimmers, inspiring them to follow their dreams. She is employed as a part-time document scanner attendant at Fallingwater Medical Associates, PLLC. In her journey to the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Kearsty says that the smiles and tears of joy from those who have supported her make the hard work worthwhile.