Matt Owens and Stewart Mickler practice their communication skills in the water as they train for the SuperTri triathlon. Mickler will swim alongside Owens as part of a unified team of racers.
Kayleigh Williamson and Carter Cawley train with the Austin Triathlon Club, preparing for the Ascension Seton SuperTri. Williamson runs, inspired by her grandmother, while Cawley runs to avoid boredom.
On Monday, Williamson, Cawley, and Owens will cross the finish line as part of two unified triathlon teams. Mickler will guide Williamson and Owens through their parts of the race, running a 5K with Williamson and swimming 750 meters with Owens, while doing the cycling portion alone.
The Austin Triathlon Club's mission is to spread the joy of triathlon to others. Williamson, Cawley, and Owens compete in both Special Olympics and non-Special Olympics events.
Mickler hopes that family members of people with disabilities will see these teams and want to join next year. Participating in sports with neurotypical people helps build confidence and inclusion for athletes with special needs.
For more information about the Ascension Seton SuperTri, visit supertri.com/austin