Gretchen Winters and Bobby Hill were named Alaska Athlete of the Week co-winners after they each turned in exceptional performances at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin.
Hill of Eagle River brings home four powerlifting medals – gold in bench and silvers in squat, deadlift and the combination. It was Hill’s first World Games appearance since winning four silver medals in 2007 in Shanghai.
Winters placed fourth in the 1,500 meter finals after turning in the fastest semifinal time. She is the only female runner on Team USA’s 400 relay team that advanced to the finals, which was broadcast on ESPN.
Both of Alaska’s representatives were described as putting on spirited performances that made them fan-favorites beyond their contingents of Alaskan supporters.
The Alaska Athlete of the Week is selected by a panel each Monday.
Have a candidate in mind? Email us your nomination: info@alaskasportshall.org.
Also receiving votes: Daniel Abramowicz, Zack Bursell/Abby Jahn, Alex Mullen