Another big day for #TeamMichigan at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games! Wednesday brought 12 more trips to the podium as SOMI athletes continued to shine across the competition.
Michigan's overall medal count now sits at 46, we have the second-highest medal count in the Games, just behind our Minnesota hosts.
Powerlifting wrapped up competition with its final two athletes. Portage's Max Hinga was featured live on ESPN, sharing the story of two loved ones who motivate him to lift. Take a behind-the-scenes look at his bronze deadlift here.
Brighton’s Molly Hinka raced to gold in the 1,200-meter event, adding another championship performance to Team Michigan's medal count. Hinka also shone in front of the camera in a post-race interview with ESPN.
Following a tough start to games, Flag Football picked up two big wins in games against Kansas and Virginia, earning a chance to compete for gold on Thursday.
It was a tough day for our previously undefeated Unified Volleyball team, with two back-to-back nail-biters ending in narrow losses. They'll be back on the court Thursday with a bronze medal on the line.
SOMI swimmers took home two more medals, a gold for Jonathan Yee and a bronze for Hunter Delahanty. They’ll face another full day in the pool tomorrow.
Bocce’s Singles competition started today and will continue into tomorrow.
ESPN Coverage: Tessa Rosiniski aka "Little Beast"
The results may not have been what Tessa Rosinski hoped for at the 2026 USA Games (taking her all the way to the top of the podium), but her journey to get here is what truly defines her.
At five feet tall, don't let Tessa's size fool you; she's nicknamed "Little Beast" for a reason. The SOMI athlete will be bringing home one silver and three bronze medals!
In an emotional interview with ESPN, Tessa reflects on the perseverance, resilience, and determination that brought her to the national stage. It's a powerful reminder that success isn't measured by medals alone.
Watch Tessa's inspiring story here.
Tomorrow: Competition Continues
The final full day of competition has arrived at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, and Team Michigan has multiple opportunities to add to its medal count.
Flag Football will compete for the gold medal after an impressive comeback story, with the team looking to finish the week atop the podium. Unified Volleyball returns to the court with a bronze medal on the line, while Soccer is guaranteed to bring home either a gold or silver medal in its championship match.
On the track, Team Michigan Athletics athletes will be in medal contention in the 10,000-meter run, 100-meter dash, long jump, and shot put. Swimming shifts its focus to preliminary heats ahead of Friday's final races, while Bocce Singles competition continues with the men's division.
Thursday, June 25
Athletics
9:00 a.m. – 10000M (Final) – Molly Hincka
10:30 a.m. – 100M (Final) – William Seelbach
11:15 a.m. – Shot Put (Final) – Sammie Thum
11:35 a.m. – Running Long Jump (Final) – Kassidy Harding
12:10 p.m. – 800M (Final) – Qori Nelson
12:50 p.m. – 100M (Final) – Kassidy Harding
12:50 p.m. – 100M (Final) – Sammie Thum
1:05 p.m. – 100M (Final) – Anastasia Harmon
Bocce
9:50 a.m. – Minnesota vs. Michigan Singles (Medal Round)
10:25 a.m. – Michigan vs. Minnesota Singles (Medal Round)
11:00 a.m. – Michigan vs. Iowa Singles (Medal Round)
Gymnastics
COMPETITION COMPLETE
Flag Football
11:00 a.m. – Michigan vs. New Jersey – Gold Medal Game
Powerlifting
COMPETITION COMPLETE
Soccer
9:00 a.m. – Michigan vs. New York (Medal Round)
Swimming
10:13 a.m. – 100YD Butterfly (Final) – Aspen Avery
10:40 a.m. – 100YD Freestyle (Preliminary) – Hunter Delahanty
10:44 a.m. – 100YD Freestyle (Preliminary) – Josh Bunsis
1:00 p.m. – 50YD Backstroke (Preliminary) – Josh Bunsis
1:03 p.m. – 50YD Backstroke (Preliminary)– Hunter Delahanty
1:46 p.m. – 100YD Medley (Preliminary)– Aspen Avery
Unified Volleyball
10:45 a.m. – Michigan vs. Arizona – Bronze Medal Game
*All competition times are CST
Follow Team Michigan
Michigan Social Media Channels
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Flickr
USA Games Social Media Channels
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
Official Hashtags
#TeamMichigan | #USAgames2026 | #ShineAsOne
Competition Schedule
Regular updates and competition times can be found on the USA Games webpage or by downloading the Champions App. Track scores in real time with the results platform.
ESPN Coverage of USA Games
ESPN will provide extensive coverage of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games from June 20-26, bringing the competition to audiences nationwide through ESPN+, Disney+, ABC, and the ESPN App. Coverage begins with the Opening Ceremony and continues throughout the week, featuring live competition, while showcasing the inspiring stories of athletes from across the country.
Coverage Schedule (EST)
June 23-26
Live coverage of Athletics, Swimming, & Powerlifting (ESPN+)
June 25, 2:00 p.m.
Unified Flag Football Gold Medal Game (NFL Network, ESPN+, Disney+)
July 25, Noon
USA Games Review Show (ABC
