‘THE BEST moment of my life’ was how Cradley youngster Sam Oliver described his gold medal performance at the Special Olympics 2015 World Summer Games.
Talented teenager Sam travelled more than 5,000 to Los Angeles where he represented Great Britain in the showcase competition, which ran from July 25 to August 2.
The 17-year-old was part of the equestrian team, and in the three events he competed in – trial riding, equitation and dressage – he scooped two silvers and a gold.
Sam was diagnosed with receptive-expressive language disorder, a problem with expressing himself and understanding what others are saying, when he was just four.
When asked about his achievement, he told The Observer: “It was the best moment of my life.
“I was a little bit nervous and the horses were different to the ones that we have here, but then I got the hang of it.
“The gold medal around my neck I thought ‘I have finally done it’. I just could not believe it.
“It was the best feeling.”
Sam, who invited other competitors to share his first-placed podium when he won gold, was part of a Great British team that claimed 179 medals in total.
He also featured on Fox TV and ITV Central while he was out there.
Mum Jenny Oliver added: “It was an unbelievable experience.
“We were already so proud of Sam because we know how hard he has worked to get where he is and that has all paid off.
“I can’t put it into words, it was just fantastic. We are very, very proud.”
Special Olympics GB took 115 athletes with intellectual disabilities to America. They joined competitors from 177 countries, as well as 3,000 coaches, 30,000 volunteers and about 500,000 spectators across the week-long event.
Sarah Moreland, equestrian head coach, said: “The equestrian team have exceeded all expectations and given their all, the standard of their riding has been consistently outstanding.
“On a personal level, the athletes have not only performed with their horses but their personal skill development has also been incredible, working together as a team.
“Supporting their peers, dedication, coping with the changes in schedules, bus journeys, long days and no time off.
“I guarantee if you asked any of them, they wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Founded in 1968, the Special Olympics has grown from a few hundred people taking part to more than four million in all regions across the world.
