More Than Muscle: William Blakey’s Journey to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
In the weight room at Amherst County High School, William Blakey moves with purpose—bars clanking, feet planted, breath controlled. For Blakey, the weight room isn’t just a place to work out.
“Most of the time, this place feels like my home,” he said.
Blakey, a 39-year-old powerlifter, is preparing for the biggest competition of his life: the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis.
He’ll arrive as the only powerlifter from Virginia selected this year. The news came along with a surge of adrenaline.
“I got a call from my coach telling me they wanted me to go to the USA Games,” Blakey said. “When I first heard it… what a rush!”
Discovering Powerlifting
It was one of Blakey’s high school teachers who first introduced him to the Special Olympics. He joined as a teenager playing basketball.
In 2023, he found his calling in powerlifting—a sport that demands discipline, patience, and grit.
“Special Olympics changed my life… and my body,” he said. “I’ve been doing it ever since. I’m loving every minute of it!”
But the strength didn’t come overnight. Like any athlete, Blakey had to learn the ropes but thankfully, he had coaches to usher him through it.
“When I first gave powerlifting a try, it took me a while to get used to the weights,” he said. “Coach Jerry and his wife Karen showed me how to train, maintain my strength and muscles,” he said. “I got stronger and faster than I even expected!”
Blakey now trains beyond the gym, jogging, stretching, and working around a busy schedule. But every Thursday, he’s in the gym... and he doesn’t believe in shortcuts:
“I never skip leg day!”
Blakey competes in three lifts: squat, bench press, and deadlift. The deadlift is his favorite; the squat, his toughest challenge. He recently competed in Virginia Beach with a first-place finish. Now, a bigger stage awaits.
More Than the Medal
His goal for the Special Olympics USA Games is simple:
“I’m going to give it my best—give it all my might,” he said.
But what stands out isn’t just his competitive drive, but also his perspective. In Blakey’s world, strength isn’t just measured in pounds lifted. It’s measured in respect, connection, and shared effort.
“I’m also going to introduce myself to the other teams,” he said. “They’re going to give it their all, too. Some of them came a long way just to get there. “
Looking ahead, Blakey hopes the 2026 USA Games are only the beginning.
“If they gave me this opportunity again, I would gladly take it,” Blakey said. “Maybe one day, go to the World Special Olympics as well.”
For now, he remains grounded as he prepares for the national stage—training in Amherst, in the gym that feels like home. He hopes it inspires others to take that same first step.
“If you don’t have Special Olympics in your life… this opportunity will change your life forever,” he said. “Do this for yourself. Do this for your family and friends. Encourage them. Build them up—and your muscles too.”
FanDuel is proud to sponsor the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and share the stories of athletes like William.
