One of the most successful athletes in the country can be found in west central Illinois.
Mike Barry of Monmouth is preparing to represent the USA in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in March 2025 in alpine skiing.
“It’s a great opportunity for Mike and it’s a great opportunity for the Warren County Falcons as well,” said Tom Glenn of Warren County Special Olympics. “Mike’s worked really hard for this. He’s been skiing for about the last 35 years.”
Barry earned his international spot after winning a gold medal in alpine skiing at the Special Olympics Illinois Winter Games earlier this year at Chestnut Mountain Resort and Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena.
“I’ve watched him ski against high school kids and whoop them for a gold medal. So, he definitely deserves this,” said Glenn.
It’s one of hundreds of medals Barry has won during his career, though this will be his first time competing in the world games.
He said some of his favorite sports are “track and field, skiing, volleyball, golf, and floor hockey.”
Barry has been exercising and lifting weights to prepare for the upcoming games in Turin, Italy.
Barry also competed in Lake Tahoe for the Special Olympics USA games playing floor hockey in the late 1980s. However, he said he’s “more excited” to compete in these upcoming games.
Barry has enjoyed the support from his fellow athletes of the Warren County Falcons and his brother, Bob Barry.
“We had a celebration for Mike and they all came and celebrated Mike. They were all excited for Mike, they weren’t envious but celebratory,’ said Glenn.
Last year, the Special Olympics program in western Illinois celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“I think the Special Olympics is just a part of the disability community, people with intellectual disabilities, that gives them a chance to show their abilities. I don’t like to talk much about their disabilities as much as their abilities,” said Glenn.
While Barry is excited to leave the country for the first time in March and meet the other athletes, he is also looking forward to trying traditional Italian pizza during his trip.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people in the community and they’re looking forward to him going and we’re hoping to have a celebration later on in February and we’ll invite everybody in the community to come out and say good luck to Mike,” said Glenn.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games start on March 8 and the closing ceremony will take place on March 15.
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