Two local teens win in Special Olympics track

Two teenage track stars shined during the 2016 Special Olympics Idaho Northern Summer Regional Games in Lewiston last weekend.

Kootenai High School junior Tristen Wellman, 17, and Lake City High School freshman Jim Kinnard, 15, earned their track team bragging rights for their speed, agility and sportsmanship. They both came in first place in the 200-meter run, the 1-mile run and 4x100 meter relay.

"I'm so proud of him and so happy that he's enjoying himself and really feeling part of the team," Jim's dad, Jeff, said Monday.

Tristen's mom, Barb, said the crowd went wild as Tristen won his 200-meter run.

"That was an excellent race," she said. "He barely beat out the second place kiddo."

She said when Jim and Tristen ran the 4x100-meter relay, "they were really just too fast for the others."

"With a lot of those Special Olympians, there are a lot of really close races," Barb said.

She said Tristen, who has participated in Special Olympics since he was 11, has really blossomed since his first event.

"The Special Olympics have been a godsend for him," she said. "He enjoys what he's doing and I truly believe, because of his interactions in the Special Olympics, that's what gave him the courage to join the track team."

While Jim was running his 6-minute, 20-second mile, members of a local military academy who were attending the event joined him.

"They were all dressed up in their fatigues," Jeff said. "It was really neat."

Jim's mom, Jann, said Jim and Tristen are "true examples of the spirit of Special Olympics." Both athletes are also active with their high school track teams.

"They don't give up and they give it their all, even when they come in last or near last place during their high school events," Jann said. "Their high school coaches and teammates and their Special Olympics coaches and teammates have given them great encouragement and support, which is so much appreciated."