Taunted for being different, Loretta used pace to protect herself

ONE of the most refreshing aspects of the Special Olympics is that it doesn’t create celebrities.

These athletes accept the limelight in the same spirit they trained for and competed in the Games. Winning and losing means much less than competing, everyone is as significant as everyone else.

Still, some stand out. Names that will ring a bell, like Laura Jane Dunne who will be remembered as Ireland’s first gold medallist.

In the United States, Loretta Claiborne has always enjoyed a high profile.

You can take any of the 7,000 inspiring stories this week, plus a screenwriter, and manufacture a compelling drama.

Two years ago, Disney decided Loretta’s story deserved a wider audience. Runners World had made her Special Athlete of the Quarter Century, she was in the Special Olympics Hall of Fame and had completed 26 marathons.

Yesterday, President Mary McAleese shook her hand as she met athletes in Morton Stadium and Loretta

accepted the honour with the same humility that came across in her movie.

“Just because there was a film about me doesn’t make me any more special than any of these athletes,” Loretta said.

“You can never say one athlete is better than the other, just like you can never say one Games is better than the other.”

Born partially blind as well as mentally disabled, Loretta discovered prejudice early in life, like so many athletes here.

Taunted by children for being different, she became an angry young woman and used her speed and strength to protect herself against the cruelty of classmates.

It was only through the Special Olympics she realised her tremendous athletic potential could be used for good. And now she spreads the message of these Games across the globe.

Kimberly Elise, the actress who played Loretta in the movie, was also in Santry yesterday to absorb the action.

She says the role changed her life and caused her to look at things differently because Loretta always did.

“What she went through to gain respect,” Elise says, “she had to fight for respect and she really inspired me to do the things in life I always wanted to do, but kept putting off.

“She did what she wanted to do despite the odds against her, and that was the most inspiring part of her story.”

Loretta, who won another gold medal in the 3,000 metres on Monday and runs in the 1500 metres today, is impressed by how Ireland is handling the Games.

“It has been a big challenge for Ireland, because it is a small country.

"But it has brought the world over to Ireland and has we have seen from the opening ceremony, Ireland has responded.

"They have let the world know how pleased they are to be hosting this special event.”