Logansport’s Sam Fawley concluded his competition in the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games Thursday with four medals in the aquatics events at the University of Nebraska Devaney Center Natatorium in Lincoln, Neb.
Fawley, who had already won a bronze medal in the 50 freestyle, won a gold medal in the 400 freestyle relay in a time of 4:17.85. In addition, he picked up a silver in the 25 butterfly and a bronze in the 100 freestyle.
Indianapolis’ Ryan Brogan, Jeffersonville’s Jordan Sisco and Muncie’s Mitch Johnson joined Fawley on the winning relay team.
“I feel like I am on top of the world,” Fawley said when asked in a phone interview about his gold medal. “I knew it was going to happen all along as soon as I saw my teammates. Those guys are extremely good swimmers. They have all beaten me before.
“We came in way before any other teams did,” he added. “We actually didn’t race against anyone, but only on time. We swam against Wisconsin and Nebraska [within Indiana’s division].”
Fawley has received three medals so far with his final medal being awarded today before the closing ceremonies.
“It feels pretty good in receiving all four medals,” he said. “Actually, all the swimmers from Indiana all got medals.”
During his time here at the National Games, Fawley has had the chance to meet several celebrities.
“I got to meet Brooklyn Decker and Edward Barbanell, and I got my picture taken with both of them,” Fawley said. “I also got to meet Tim Shriver, who is the son of the late Eunice Shriver. During the opening ceremonies, I listened to Sandi Patty and Jars of Clay.”
Decker is a national spokeswoman for the Special Olympics, Barbanell is an actor with Down Syndrome and Tim Shriver is the Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics.
The one celebrity that Fawley would like to meet is Michael Phelps.
“[Phelps] is one of my big inspirations,” he explained. “I am a big fan of Phelps.”
With all four events done, Fawley is now in a state of relaxation.
“I am done with all the races, and now I can relax. I am now looking forward to the trip out west in Wyoming and South Dakota,” he said.
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