Redlands’ Timothy ‘the Torpedo’ Spear exploded for 3 gold medals at the Special Olympics Summer Games at Cal State Long Beach June 8-9.
Spear captured gold in the 50-yard breaststroke, 50 yard freestyle and as a member of his 4X50 freestyle relay team. Said coach Monty Thompson: “That Torpedo is one tough competitor. He did not have the fastest qualifying time in either of his races, but in the finals, he always finds another gear. It’s an honor to coach him.”
Timothy also competed in the 50-yard backstroke and in a rare outcome, finished just off the podium with a fourth place finish in a bang, bang, finish. Timothy commented: “ I always swim for first place, but that field in the backstroke was loaded and I came up just a little short. It’s ok though, I got divisional State Champion in all my other races. “
The 2024 Summer Games hosted over 1,100 competitors showcasing their abilities in basketball, bocce, flag football, track and field and swimming. Participants and coaches lodged overnight in the campus dorms and enjoyed a dance event on Saturday evening as well as the Olympic Village Vendor Fair throughout the Games.