By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Nearly 5,000 Special Olympics athletes in the state of Kansas, and yet, in any given year, just 12 are named IdeaTek Special Olympics Kansas athlete of the month. The latest honor goes to Great Bend Storm's Austin Levingston.
"It means everything to me," Levingston said. "Being recognized like that shows that the hard work I’ve put in on and off the playing ground matters. Special Olympics Kansas and the IdeaTek Athlete of the Month award isn’t just about performance, it’s about character, leadership, and impact. So for me, it’s a huge honor to represent my team, my community, and athletes. It motivates me to keep pushing myself and to be a role model for everyone."
Levingston won back-to-back gold medals for the Great Bend Storm at the Special Olympics Kansas State Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament in 2024. Last year, he qualified for the Fort Hays State University masters program upon graduation, completed his first 5K run, and made an appearance on KSN News after winning a swimming gold medal in another Special Olympics event. Though most of his success has been in the water, he won the 400m dash bronze at the 2025 Special Olympics Kansas Summer Games.
"Special Olympics means a lot more to me than just sports," said Levingston. "It’s like a second family. It’s a place where I can be myself, compete, and be accepted for who I am. It’s given me confidence, friendships, and opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise. It’s not just about winning it’s about showing courage, having fun, and proving to people what we’re capable of."
Levingston has no plans of slowing down for the remainder of 2026. He plans to continue proving both as an athlete and a person, with the goal of winning more golds.
"I also want to keep inspiring others, helping my teammates, and being a leader in Special Olympics, as well as the other organizations that I am a part of," he said. "At the end of the day, it’s about getting better every day and making a positive impact not only for myself but for my community and everyone else."