June 20, 2024

Junior earns gold and silver at PA Special Olympics

Upper St. Clair High School rising junior Victoria Zesch earned three medals at Special Olympics Pennsylvania’s annual Summer Games, which took place June 6-8 at Penn State University. Representing the Three Rivers Region, Victoria received two gold medals – for the 25-meter butterfly and backstroke – and a silver for the 50-meter freestyle.

The Special Olympics Summer Games is the largest statewide competition, bringing in more than 2,000 athletes and 750 coaches. Athletes compete in basketball, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming and tennis throughout the three-day event.

In addition to earning three medals, Victoria qualified to represent Pennsylvania at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which are set for June 20-26, 2026, at the University of Minnesota. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will bring together 4,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans from all 50 states.

To prepare for the Special Olympics USA Games, Victoria will be training with South Hills Splash and the Upper St. Clair High School swim team.