A display of remarkable abilities by athletes who display them both on and off the field, the Special Olympics celebrates inclusivity through intense competition. 

And from June 5 through 12, Central Florida welcomes more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from across the U.S. and the Caribbean — along with 125,000 spectators — to the 2022 USA Games in Orlando.

Spectrum News profiled some of the local athletes going for gold this year.

Chris Nikic — Triathlon

At 22 years old, Chris Nikic will take on his biggest athletic challenge yet. The Orlando resident with Down syndrome has competed in golf, track and basketball. Now, he's an Ironman.

Nikic will compete in the triathlon — swimming 440 yards, cycling 10.8 miles and running a 5K.

“The ultimate goal is to accomplish this,” he said.

Brittany Tagliareni — Tennis

One serve at a time, 31-year-old Brittany Tagliareni dominates on the court. The Sanford resident, who has autism, has won numerous tennis competitions — and even an ESPY award.

Tagliareni was born with conditions that affect her speaking and fine motor skills, but has followed a simple formula for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

“Effort and concentration and focus, and having a good attitude,” she said.

Jared Stancil — Golf

It's all about that sound for Jared Stancil — the sound his driver makes when it strikes the ball perfectly. 

The 14-year-old golfer, who has Down syndrome, spends hours on his backyard makeshift range in Bradenton, rotating between clubs, even in the rain.

Stancil won a gold medal in 2018's Special Olympics USA Games 9-hole alternative shot. This year, he'll compete in the 18-hole alternative team shot.

Michelle Stevens — Powerlifting

The Queen Bee. The Mayor. Winter Gardens resident Michelle Stevens has two nicknames, and they're both a commentary on her powerful presence. When she's in the gym, everyone knows it.

Stevens has autism, but strength and success are her defining characteristics — she can deadlift more than 215 pounds.

With several gold medals, state championships and ribbons under her weight belt, Stevens hopes to inspire others to flex their abilities. 

“I’ve shown other women they can come compete at competitions and it feels really good to be the leader of the pack,” she said.

Jacob Craft — Volleyball

A vision impairment used to steal Jacob Craft's motivation, but not anymore. He says the Special Olympics "helped open me up."

Now, he shines on the court as a star of the Westside Blue Thunder unified volleyball team, where he puts his distaste for negativity into practice. 

“It’s always nice to make someone smile at the end of the day. Negativity, if it was up to me, I would put it out of the world,” Craft said.

Karissa Nieves — Athletics

She was born to run, even though doctors said she never should have been. Karrissa Nieves was diagnosed in the womb with microcephaly, a neurological condition that affects brain development and head size. 

But that's all far in the past.

The Poinciana resident won gold in the 800-meter run at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, and she's ready to take more hardware home. This year, she'll compete in the 1,500- and 3,000-meter runs.

Michael Tuason — Stand Up Paddleboard

A two-time gold medal-winning swimmer, Michael Tuason qualified to compete in a different aquatic sport. This year, he's going for stand up paddleboard gold.

Autism doesn't slow down the Maderia Beach resident one bit.

His coach says Tuason's drive and dedication are second to none.

Ally Kafka — Equestrian

To Ally Kafka, a typical Tampa teenager who happens to be on the autism spectrum, horseback riding is more than just a sport — it's her passion.

Before hopping on a horse at the age of eight, Kafka's mother says she struggled with a speech disorder that made it difficult to speak. But that first ride changed everything. 

“Immediately after her first riding lesson, she was talking nonstop,” her mom, Nancy, said.

Now, she's galloping onto the world stage.

Tyler and Ian Tate — Soccer

Their bond began before birth, and their brotherhood on the field has made it even stronger.

As members of the OCA Unified Eagles soccer team, twins Tyler and Ian Tate from Orlando are gearing up for the USA Games in their hometown for Team Florida.

Unified teams create opportunities for inclusion, and Tyler says soccer is perfect sport for it.

"... Kids who need help with their disabilities are hard workers. And they all play hard. And they're amazing at it," he said. 

Cody Brown — Equestrian

If you're looking for Cody Brown, you'll find her in the woods of Seminole County. And she'll probably be riding her horse, Cayenne.

Her mother says Brown's life could have been much different if not for her steadfast determination. Brown is missing part of chromosome 7, which delayed her development. But those struggles haven't slowed her down in the saddle.

The 29-year-old Sanford resident plans to add another gold medal to her extensive collection.

Luis Aponte — Athletics

Running comes naturally to Luis Aponte. He raced the 400-meter gold medal home to Seffner from the recent state games.

The former Armwood High School student was inspired to find his inner athlete by his favorite football team — the Hawks. But it wasn't long before roles reversed, and Aponte began inspiring the players. He still leads the team onto the field at every game.

Now, he'll lace up and get back on the track at the Special Olympics USA Games, with his eyes squarely on grabbing another gold.