A local athlete is set to compete in the 2023 Special Olympics.
We’re flipping out (!) over our very own Raleighite and Special Olympics athlete, Erin Cagle, who has jetted to Germany’s cap city to rep the USA in the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. And this isn’t her first rodeo, either. The 43-year old artistic gymnast has been competing in the Special Olympics since 2008. (Fun fact: She also dabbles in Alpine skiing and tennis!).
“I like gymnastics because it keeps me strong and healthy,” Cagle said in an interview with SONC. “I like it when I am more flexible. I have a few favorites; I like the floor exercises and the balance beam.”
The Games are slated to run through June 25, with Cagle scheduled to compete June 23. Fans can find our local gymnast taking part in an array of events, including vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise—plus the all-around competition (whew!).
Sports-seeking spectators can also look forward to a slew of other athletic events worth tuning in for—think badminton, cycling, kayaking, field hockey, swimming, sailing, volleyball and more.
To prep, Cagle trained twice a week at Sonshine Gymnastics in Holly Springs with her coach, Brenda Candland and the constant support of her dad.
“It’s always been a lot of fun for me,” said Cagle’s father, Greg, of his daughter’s athletic endeavors. “I get a lot of enjoyment from watching her compete. This whole idea of competing for her country in the Special Olympics World Games, it just couldn’t get any better than that.” sonc.net
