Team Michigan closed out the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, ending the week on a high note by adding nine more medals on the final day of competition. The strong finish brought Team Michigan's final medal count to an incredible 65 medals.
In the pool, athletes delivered earned hardware as Aspen Avery captured gold in the 100-yard Individual Medley, while Hunter Delahanty earned gold in the 50-yard Backstroke. Delahanty wasn't finished there, adding a silver medal to the count, while teammate Josh Bunsis claimed bronze in the 100-yard Backstroke.
Athletics put an exclamation point on the Games with a dominant performance, collecting four medals on the final day - all gold! - to cap off an outstanding week on the track.
In Unified Bocce, Team Michigan battled Southern California in the gold medal match, ultimately earning second place and after a hard-fought championship contest.As the 2026 USA Games come to a close, Team Michigan returns home as national champions, ambassadors for inclusion, and an inspiration to communities across our state.
Closing Ceremony concluded not only the day, but the week, where the delegations celebrated one another with a recap of the week’s competition highlights. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games officially came to a close as the Flame of Hope was passed to Cleveland, host of the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games.
Athletes then traded pins and team gear with competitors from across the country, collecting memories and mementos that will remind them of the week in Minnesota. The celebration ended the way Special Olympics does best—with a massive dance party that brought together athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families from every state to celebrate friendship, inclusion, and the spirit of sport.
See you soon, Michigan. Our champions answered the call and are now headed home.
Crushing Records
One of Team Michigan's core memories at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games happened on the national stage.
After shattering the USA Games record in the 10,000-meter race with a time of 53:39, Special Olympics Michigan athlete Molly Hincka was interviewed live on ESPN.
During the interview, Molly learned she had officially broken the previous USA Games record and shared her reaction to the news. Watch here.
USA Games Review Show: July 25
Relive Team Michigan's journey at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games during the USA Games Review Show!
From unforgettable victories and inspiring stories to behind-the-scenes moments and highlights from an incredible week in Minneapolis, don't miss this special look back at Team Michigan's historic run at the USA Games.
Save the date: Saturday, July 25 | 12:00 p.m. | ABC