Hometown: Eudora, Kansas
Sport: Swimming
Ethan Folks is headed to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games to compete in swimming and he’s ready to make waves.
A Special Olympics Kansas athlete for more than 10 years, Ethan began his journey with bowling. While the social side of sports was a challenge at first, Ethan has worked hard to overcome sensory overloads and adapt to team settings. Today, he’s a proud multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball, track and field, bowling, golf, cornhole, swimming, and even health and fitness programs. He now takes full advantage of every social opportunity, including dances and team events.
Ethan is proudest of how much he has improved in swimming, a sport he’s grown to love. “I have good friends now and the opportunity to try new things,” Ethan says. “The USA Games means my hard work paid off. I’m excited to be there and have my family watch me compete.”
He’s preparing by lifting weights, taking walks, and focusing on improving his freestyle swim time.
Outside the pool, Ethan is known for his deep passion for dinosaurs. He can name every species, identify the period they lived in, and share countless fun facts about them. He’s also the star of a children’s book that helps teach kids like him about hygiene, and he’s been a valued employee at Sonic for nearly five years, helping with morning prep and even stepping in to cook sometimes.
When asked who he admires most, Ethan doesn’t hesitate: “Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson! He showed me how to be strong and brave.”
With his determination, growth, and training, Ethan is ready to take on his first USA Games and show the country what Kansas athletes are all about.
