Athletes launch the USA Games with masterful displays of poise and determination.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are underway across the Twin Cities, with athletes from every corner of the country gathered in Minnesota for a full week of elite athletic contests. The energy at every venue is buzzing as families, friends, fans, and volunteers fill the stands to celebrate the precision and skill of these dedicated athletes.
While the broader games are up and running at full speed, the focus at the University of Minnesota’s Maturi Pavilion on the Minneapolis campus is entirely on gymnastics. Sponsored by Red Baron Pizza, the gymnastics meets were welcomed by a packed house of supporters, relishing the chance to witness athletic mastery.
The gymnastics action splits into two disciplines: artistic and rhythmic. Each format tests different physical abilities, with events that include the vault, balance beam, uneven bars, and floor exercise. Gymnasts are not only contending for these individual apparatus medals; they are also working to maximize their combined scores across all events to capture the highly coveted all-around title.
On Tuesday, June 23, the gymnastics competition will conclude with the Gymnastics Gala from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Maturi Pavilion. This special showcase features athletes handpicked by the judges to perform their most captivating routines for the community. Like all events at the USA Games, this celebration is free and open to the public.
Meet Special Olympics Athlete: Rachel Robinson, Gymnastics, Team Alaska
The Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota have brought together thousands of inspiring athletes, but few carry as much heart, vulnerability, and determination onto the gymnastics floor as Rachel Robinson.
Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, the 28-year-old gymnast has spent the last six years perfecting her craft. At the conclusion of Monday’s first-round of competitions, Rachel won a fifth-place medal for Level 2 All-Arounds.
Following her podium finish, Rachel shared how her hard work culminated in a medal-winning performance this week, saying, “Makes me feel humbled and appreciated, and knowing that I can push myself to be a better person.”
Rachel embraces the full challenge of her sport by competing across all the different disciplines of gymnastics, showcasing true versatility and dedication. She credits her physical conditioning to sticking with a daily workout routine guided by the Special Olympics Fitness app on her phone—a training tool that is free and accessible to everyone.
Her secrets to staying fit and competition-ready are a healthy diet that includes two favorite foods: chickpeas and beef sticks.
As one of 27 athletes representing Team Alaska, Rachel also has support from family who drove from Texas to Minneapolis to cheer her on from the stands. You will be able to spot them wearing their matching, bright pink and purple tie-dye shirts.
Rachel said the best part of her first trip to Minnesota has been the warm welcome from the community and meeting new people. “My favorite thing is getting to know people the way they are and treating people the way you want to be treated,” she shared.
As a special post-competition treat before heading home to Alaska, her best friend, Anika, got them two VIP tickets to see the gymnast’s favorite artist, pop singer-songwriter Jessica Baio, perform in Minneapolis. “I’m a big fan of hers, and I’ll get to see her in person,” Rachel said with excitement.
Reflecting on her time at the USA Games, she added, “I love making new friends—that’s my personal passion.”
Congratulations to Rachel and Team Alaska for representing The Last Frontier State with immense pride and joy!