International sports icon Loretta Claiborne inspires Wiregrass Special Olympics athletes

Q: What is Loretta Claiborne known for in the Special Olympics?

Loretta Claiborne is known for being a seven-time gold medalist, a member of the Special Olympics international board, and an advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Q: How old is Loretta Claiborne and what sports does she compete in?

Loretta Claiborne is 72 years old and competes in various sports, including running, bowling, tennis, and she plans to compete in golf for the Special Olympics in Summer 2026.

Q: What motivational advice did Loretta Claiborne give to young athletes?

Claiborne advised young athletes to be grateful for their opportunities and to get involved in sports, emphasizing the importance of having fun and appreciating their experiences.

Q: What notable achievements does Loretta Claiborne have outside of sports?

Outside of sports, Claiborne has received the ESPY Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, achieved a 4th-degree black belt in karate, and has communicated with world leaders, including introducing President Clinton.

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN)— Since march, the Special Olympics has taken off in the state of Alabama. But there’s a Special Olympics icon who have a few words to say to the athletes in the Wiregrass. For Millennial’s and Gen Z, the name “Loretta Claiborne” brings us back to when Disney filmed Claiborne’s biopic in 2000. Starring Actress Kimberly Elise portraying her, in “The Loretta Claiborne Story.”

*Courtesy of The Walt Disney Company* After the release of Claiborne’s biopic, she emerged as a sports hero not only for young Special Olympics champions but also for the broader younger generation, who hold her close to their hearts. The global sports icon shared motivational words for the younger generation in the special Olympics here in the wiregrass. “So today you have these wonderful opportunities as an athlete. Be grateful, and think about what you have—that others don’t have…” Said, Claiborne. Claiborne, was the first special Olympics athlete—elected to the special Olympics international board of directors. She serves as the International Chief Inspiration Officer. She discovered running as a young woman—and never stopped. Over time, Loretta completed 30 marathons, including twice finishing the Boston Marathon. She has competed in and won 15 medals at nine Special Olympics World Games around the world, met world leaders, and advocated for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities on world stages. Her impact reaches far beyond competition. In 1996, she received ESPN’s ESPY Arthur Ashe Award for Courage presented by Actor Denzel Washington.

*Courtesy of Loretta Claiborne* As of today, she is still competing for the international special Olympics at just the age of 72! Claiborne is a seven-time special Olympics world games gold medalist decorated runner, bowler, figure skater, and tennis player. And she signed up to compete in golf for the Special Olympics game in Summer 2026. The long-time Special Olympics athlete who won gold in singles tennis, and bronze in doubles at the 2023 world games at age 69. *Berlin, Germany – June 19, 2023 – SC Brandenburg: Loretta Claiborne of the USA team competing in Tennis during the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games. (Photo by Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)* Claiborne advised, “what’s really important for our younger Special Olympics athletes today is to get involved.” Another fun fact — she has achieved a 4th-degree black belt in karate. Claiborne introduced President Clinton at the 1995 Special Olympics world summer games and appearing twice on the *Oprah Show*. And, She communicates in four languages and is fluent in the American sign language. Claiborne gave wisdom tips on self-control. She mentioned how she learned coming up, having her fist balled up all time would not take her far in life. And she expressed that same philosophy to the younger generation in Special Olympics. *Courtesy of Loretta Claiborne* Since athletes competed in the Special Olympics State Sectional Individual Bowling Competition at Patricia lanes in Dothan today. Claiborne shouted them out and said, “My advice to the athletes that are competing tomorrow at the Bowling Tournament is number one, have fun. And to be grateful for the opportunity— that you had to bowl, and had to track. Cause when I came up, I didn’t have none of those things.” Born with intellectual disabilities and partial blindness, Loretta Claiborne was never expected to walk, let alone run. But she defied every expectation. *Courtesy of Loretta Claiborne* Claiborne is promoting her Autobiography *The Finish Line Is Just The Beginning*, which will tell the remarkable true story of a girl who ran far beyond the boundaries of the housing projects, becoming a world-class marathoner, global advocate, and inspirational leader. *Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.*