Briauna Hulse now has three shiny medals to hang on her wall to remind her of her recent athletic achievements - one gold and two bronze. And she hopes to add more.
On April 23, Hulse, a 13-year-old Magnolia resident, competed in the Special Olympics Washington Region Athletics Tournament at Shoreline stadium.
Living with autism and diagnosed with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) as well, Hulse had the opportunity to participate in the local Special Olympics competition. She successfully competed in three different track-and-field events: the 25 meter and 50 meter assisted walks, and the softball throw.
"It was so great to watch her," laughed Hulse's mother, Michele Spino. "In the 25 meter walk she just sat down in the middle of the race."
Despite a momentary lapse of concentration, Hulse still managed to come away with a bronze medal.
Regardless of Hulse's bronze medal finish in both walks, she said her favorite event by far was the softball throw. Her rocket arm earned her a gold medal as well as a bid to the Special Olympics state summer games competition.
"Briauna didn't really know what to do when she won her [gold] medal," said Spino. "She didn't quite understand it, but she knew she had done something special. She loved the attention and walking out onto the field; she was waving at everybody."
Not only did Hulse bring home three medals, but she was among the younger competitors as well. The ages of the participants in the competition range tremendously; the minimum age is 8, but there is no maximum age.
This is Hulse's first year on the regional Special Olympics track team, but she also has bowled on a Special Olympics team. Hulse's track team is made up of 20 participants, and is coached by Mary Ellen Eagle. Their team name is the Eagles.
"She loves throwing the ball," Spino said. "Her stepfather tosses the ball around with her in the backyard."
Hulse currently attends Meany Middle School, but next year will be moving on to West Seattle High School. She has a younger brother, Tonny, and she leads an extremely active life. Hulse said she loves listening to music when she's not playing ball.
"And she always wants to go somewhere," Spino adds. "It doesn't even matter where."
It looks like she'll have her chance. Hulse will be competing in the softball throw at the Special Olympics state summer games taking place at Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, on June 3, 4 and 5. More than 2,000 Special Olympians from all over the state will come together to showcase their athletic talents.
Hulse's family, including her biggest fan, Grandpa Victor, will be traveling with her to offer their support and hopefully cheer Hulse to another softball throw victory.[[In-content Ad]]
