Meet Marquel, a 21-year-old athlete from Topeka, Kansas, who has never let anything hold him back. A former Washburn Rural High School standout, he made waves as a varsity track star and diver.
Specializing in the 110m hurdles and long jump, he qualified for the Kansas State Track & Field Championships every year except the COVID season. His hard work paid off in his senior year when he won the 6A State Championship in the 110m hurdles—without anyone even realizing he had an intellectual disability. On the diving board, he was just as impressive, qualifying for the state meet in both of his competitive seasons.
Since graduating from high school, Special Olympics Kansas has become a huge part of his life. While still in high school, he was invited to join the Topeka Stars, an adult slow-pitch softball team made up of high-functioning athletes with intellectual disabilities. In summer 2022, he played a key role as the Topeka Stars won a gold medal at the USA Games in Orlando, FL, proudly representing Kansas on the national stage.
His journey with Special Olympics has opened incredible doors, from meeting sports icons like Patrick Mahomes to receiving a game football from the superstar quarterback himself. And his story is far from over—he is currently training to compete in track and field at the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota!
We are so proud of everything he has accomplished, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this incredible athlete. Let’s cheer him on as he continues to chase his dreams!
