“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
The words of Eleanor Roosevelt serve as a reminder to Special Olympics USA alpine skiing athlete Claire Potter, she is superior to any low expectation, any stereotype or label. Her seat at the table is deserved; it’s next to yours.
Nearly a century ago, First Lady Roosevelt sat in the White House, making a difference for her country through humanitarian and diplomatic efforts. Last year, Claire represented Special Olympics at the White House, changing the world in her own way. On December 9, 2024, President Joe Biden hosted a dinner for Special Olympics and its supporters, recognizing the great achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Claire, along with several Special Olympics USA, Special Olympics Brazil and Special Olympics Great Britain athletes, attended to speak for themselves.
“[Inclusion] means tolerance for people with disabilities, being accepted in the community where people are neurotypical,” said Claire. “We are accepted with neurotypical people, working in jobs with other people who are just like us and people who are different. We all come together to be together in the community.”
That night, Claire had the opportunity to tell President Biden about her upcoming competition in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, where she would compete in the Intermediate Giant Slalom and Intermediate Super-G events.
“We were only supposed to do a group photo, but he took time to shake each of our hands and talk to each one of us,” explained Claire. “He took the time to talk to me about going to World Games.”
Just like at any table, in any job, on any slope, Claire belongs. More than that, she excels. From the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, Claire will return with a gold medal in the Super-G event and a silver medal in the Giant Slalom Final, each medal proving that only we have the power to make ourselves feel inferior.