Jacqueline Colone is a 30-year-old athlete with Down syndrome from Central New York who has competed since age eight.
The first night of 2026 New York Special Olympics, Jacqueline was quiet and kept to herself. She was anxious about being in a new setting with people whom she did not know. She did not participate much in the pre-game activities, and was distant from her team, the Madison Blizzards.
Jacqueline’s parents, Terri and Jim Colone, travel with her to whatever competition she goes to. They have always encouraged Jacqueline to compete. “It’s important they have this opportunity,” says Terri, who always signs up to be a team volunteer to support her daughter.
Jacqueline has competed in various sports ranging from golf to field hockey but exclaimed that snowshoe was her favorite. On competition day, her personality completely changed. She moved around in her snowshoe gear with confidence, talking to her teammates and cheering them on.
After a rocky warm-up, Jacqueline was still anxious but was focused on winning her races.
“In my mind, I already got it.” - Jacqueline
Jacqueline proceeded to win all three events in her sport and was awarded three gold medals, adding to her immense collection of medals including two from previous Special Olympics USA games.
This summer, Jacqueline is set to compete in 2026 USA Special Olympics in Minneapolis, Minnesota, less anxious than she was before.
In her mind, she’s already got it.