Loretta Claiborne facts for kids
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| Born | August 14, 1953 York, Pennsylvania |
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| Occupation | Athlete | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Country | USA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Mile run, Bowling, Figure Skating | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Loretta Claiborne is an amazing American athlete and speaker. She competes in the Special Olympics, which is a sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. Loretta has won many medals and is known for her incredible courage. She was even given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 1996 by famous actor Denzel Washington. Loretta was also the first Special Olympics athlete to be chosen for the Special Olympics International Board of Directors.
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About Loretta Claiborne
Early Life and Challenges
Loretta Claiborne was born on August 14, 1953, in York, Pennsylvania. She was one of seven children raised by her single mother, Rita Claiborne. When Loretta was born, she had some health challenges. She was partially blind and had clubbed feet, which meant her feet were turned inward. She also had an intellectual disability, meaning her brain worked a bit differently.
Loretta had surgeries when she was young to help her feet and her vision. Because of these challenges, she couldn't walk until she was four years old. She also didn't learn to talk until she was seven. Doctors suggested that Loretta's mother send her to a special home for people with disabilities. But her mother, Rita, strongly said no. She chose to raise Loretta at home with all her other children.
A Champion Athlete
When Loretta was 17, a school counselor suggested she try out for the new Special Olympics. This was a big turning point for her. Loretta started competing as a runner in the 1970 Special Olympics. There, she won her very first medal as an athlete.
Loretta has run in over 25 marathons, which are very long races. She even finished in the top 100 women twice at the famous Boston Marathon. Her amazing life story was made into a television film in 2000 called "The Loretta Claiborne Story."
Special Olympics Journey
Loretta is not just a runner; she is also a black belt in karate! She has been competing in the Special Olympics since 1970 and is still active. She trains in many different sports, including running, figure skating, soccer, skiing, golf, basketball, softball, swimming, tennis, and bowling.
Loretta has received many honors from the Special Olympics. She won the Spirit of Special Olympics award in 1981 and was named the state athlete of the year in 1988. She is also on the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Board of Directors. In 2007, she rejoined the Special Olympics International Board of Directors.
Inspiring Others
In 2009, a special portrait was put on display at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. This portrait was of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who started the Special Olympics. Loretta Claiborne was one of four Special Olympics athletes shown in this important painting.
Even at 60 years old in 2013, Loretta stayed very active. She started focusing more on connecting with and inspiring other people. By 2019, at age 65, Loretta was still competing in ten different sports each year at the Special Olympics! She truly shows that age is just a number.
Awards and Recognition
Loretta Claiborne has received three special honorary doctorate degrees. These degrees are from Quinnipiac University, Villanova University, and York College of Pennsylvania. In 1996, she was given the Arthur Ashe Courage Award by ESPN. This award celebrates athletes who show great courage and make a positive impact.
In 2000, her life story became a Disney TV movie called The Loretta Claiborne Story. Then, in 2001, a medical and educational building in her hometown of York, Pennsylvania, was named the Loretta Claiborne Building in her honor. These honors show how much she has inspired people around the world.
