City: Olathe
Sport: Tennis
Jackson Byrd has been a proud Special Olympics Kansas athlete for more than 17 years, competing in a wide variety of sports including tennis, soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, cornhole, bowling, and track and field. This summer, he will represent Kansas once again on the national stage as he heads to the 2026 USA Games to compete in tennis.
For Jackson, Special Olympics has been life-changing. “It has given me more chances to improve my mental and physical state of mind,” he shared. “Plus, it gave me a second family here within Special Olympics.” Through the program, he has grown stronger and more confident, working hard to increase the mobility in his right arm and hand and overcome challenges that once seemed impossible.
His proudest moments come not only from winning medals, but from being part of a supportive team. “I’m most proud that I’m not left out in team sports or non-team sports,” Jackson said. “My friends and coaches keep me informed on what I need to improve on and what I could do to help others improve.”
Jackson is no stranger to success at the USA Games. He competed in the 2018 Games in Florida, where he brought home two gold medals in tennis. Now, he looks forward to chasing that dream again. “It means a lot to me to attend the USA Games,” Jackson said. “It gives me a second chance to go and win two more gold medals and maybe get another chance to go to the World Games.”
To prepare, Jackson trains through Special Olympics practices, participates in “Tennis Buddies” on Sundays, works out at the gym, runs regularly, and practices whenever he can. Outside of sports, Jackson enjoys hunting and fishing with his grandpa, who he admires deeply. He also plays in a slow-pitch softball league with his uncle and cousins. Recently Jackson reached another personal milestone, becoming an uncle himself.
When he’s not competing or training, Jackson works at Johnson County Community College in the CLEAR program, where he serves as a CLEAR aid.
With his determination, heart, and love for competition, Jackson is ready to once again make Kansas proud at the USA Games.
