From YWCA Midtown to the Special Olympics: Olya’s Story
For 23-year-old Olya, YWCA Minneapolis has always been more than a place to swim; it’s where she feels connected, supported and welcomed exactly as she is.
“The moment I get in the water, all of my worries go away,” Olya said.
This June, Olya will take that strength to the next level as she competes in the swimming events at the Special Olympics USA Games.
But her journey to the Special Olympics started long before competition and training schedules. It started in the water with YWCA Minneapolis.
A Lifelong Connection
Olya has been part of the YWCA Minneapolis community since she was just a year and a half old. She and her family first visited the Uptown location before later transitioning to YWCA Midtown after moving closer to the neighborhood.
“Many of the staff have known me since I was little, especially Jon.” Olya mentioned. “He really likes to mess with me, and it always makes me laugh.”
One of four siblings, Olya shared that both she and one of her siblings were adopted. Growing up, swimming at YWCA Uptown helped shape not only her love for swimming, but also her sense of belonging and community.
Today, YWCA Midtown continues to be her training home.
“It has everything you need,” Olya said. “If I’m not swimming, I’m walking the track or in the Stretch and Yoga room stretching out my body.”
Jon, a manager at YWCA Midtown who has worked for YWCA Minneapolis for 10 years, said Olya brings positive energy with her every time she visits. “Whenever I see Olya in our facility, she brightens my day. Olya uses our facility to the fullest and is also highly dedicated to the fitness aspect of her membership. I’m always happy when she wraps up our conversations by telling me she is on her way to the pool.”
Finding Strength in the Water
Swimming has always been part of Olya’s life. Inspired by her grandfather, Olya learned to swim at a young age and eventually joined YWCA Minneapolis’ swim program in eighth grade.
“I love being in the water. It’s my happy place,” Olya said. “When I’m swimming, all my worries just disappear.”
In 2024, Olya was encouraged to try out for the Special Olympics—the process involved interviews, qualifying standards and intense competition, even among teammates.
The Special Olympics welcomes athletes at least 8 years old with an intellectual disability to compete.
Olya said she has learned not to let her disability define her.
Instead, she focuses on becoming stronger every day while leaning on the support of her family, coaches and teammates.
“I’ve met so many friends, and I love my coaches,” she said. “Meeting them has made me want to become even more active.”
Training with Purpose
Training for the Special Olympics takes consistency, discipline and determination, and Olya brings that mindset with her every week to YWCA Midtown.
Whether she’s walking the indoor track, climbing the StairMaster or swimming laps in the pool, Olya trains two to three times each week, averaging four to five miles in the water weekly.
She recently achieved a personal best in the 100-meter swim and continues working toward new goals in longer-distance events. Still, staying motivated is not always easy.
“Sometimes I just want to relax on the couch,” Olya admitted. “But then I remind myself how much I love swimming and how much I want to improve.”
That determination continues to fuel her training as she prepares for competition this summer.
More Than a Competition
For Olya, the Special Olympics is about more than medals or race times. It’s about community, friendship and showing others what people with disabilities can achieve.
“I hope people see that we can do amazing things too,” she said. “Yeah, we may do things differently sometimes, but we can still win.”
The Special Olympics USA Games will take place June 20–26. The University of Minnesota Twin Cities will host 10 of the 16 sports, including swimming, where Olya will compete.
She encourages others to explore the Special Olympics and the opportunities it provides.
“You’ll meet so many people, make new friends, coaches and teammates,” Olya said. “We’re like one big family, and everyone is so welcoming.”
Olya’s story reflects the mission of YWCA Minneapolis. Here we are creating welcoming spaces where individuals of all abilities can grow, connect and thrive. Through every lap she swims, Olya continues to inspire those around her with resilience, joy and the reminder that strength looks different for everyone.