Sandpoint Special Olympians haul in wealth of track medals

SANDPOINT — A handful of Sandpoint Special Olympic track athletes won medals during a strong showing at the recent Northern Summer Regional Games held at several venues around Coeur d’Alene.

Ed Williams, the team’s pentathlon athlete, was unable to do the high jump due to wet conditions, however, he placed 1st in the 100 meter dash, 400 meter race, men’s shot put and running long jump. He will be able to advance to state, along with all of the other winners on the team.

Among the strong performances were Roy Burrow placing 2nd in the 100 meter dash and the mens’ softball throw, John Painter placing 1st in the 100 meter race walk and 3rd in the men’s softball throw and Lee Hudson placing 1st in the 25 meter race walk.

Michelle Couldry placed 3rd in the women’s 100 meter race walk and 2nd in the softball throw. Renee Cunningham placed 1st in the women’s 100 meter race walk and first in the women’s softball throw. Natasha Freeburg placed 4th in the 100 meter dash and the 50 meter dash.

Hayley Thompson, 11, placed 1st in the running long jump and 1st in the 100 meter dash, Chelsea Dennis placed 1st in the 30 meter motorized wheelchair slalom and the 400 meter wheelchair race, Caitlyn Bayles placed 1st in the 10 meter wheelchair race, and Santana Martin, 12, placed 1st in the 100 meter dash and 2nd in the 50 meter dash.

All of the athletes will be able to advance to state later this summer.