By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The water has long been kind to Great Bend's Austin Levingston. It has earned him a meeting with 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, and also made him the subject of a short book about swimming. Saturday in Topeka, Levingston, representing Great Bend Storm, won a Kansas Special Olympics championship in the 50 meter freestyle race.
"Winning a Special Olympics gold medal stands out in a way that’s hard to compare to anything else I’ve achieved," said Levingston. "It’s not just about the medal — it’s about the journey, the perseverance, and the community behind it. Every win means something, but this one carries a different kind of weight. It reflects not just physical effort, but the strength to push through challenges, stay committed, and represent something bigger than myself."
Levingston, now 30, was diagnosed with autism at birth. He qualified for state as an alternate at Great Bend High School, then continued his career at Barton Community College where he swam in the national meet in Florida. In 2023, Levingston qualified for the Missouri Valley Senior Championships.
"My drive to keep excelling at swimming as I get older comes from a mix of passion, discipline, and personal growth," he said. "Swimming has always been more than just a sport to me; it’s a space where I push limits, clear my mind, and feel completely present. As I get older, the goals evolve: it’s not just about getting faster, but about becoming stronger, more resilient, and more connected to the water and myself."
After Saturday's win, Levingston continues his 2025 season for USA Swimming. He hopes to qualify for the US Masters Swimming National Championships, the World Masters Swimming Championships, and his ultimate goal is to represent the United States in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.