Justin Jensen in Current Events | Chicago Stories Michelle Thompson @JustinJenseninCurrentEvents | Uploaded May 2015 | Updated October 2024, 18 hours ago.
Thousands of athletes from 177 nations are competing on a world stage in Los Angeles.
This week on Chicago Stories, FOX 32 begins profiling area athletes chosen to represent Illinois in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.
Michelle Thompson of Geneva is a talented rhythmic gymnast. However, perhaps her greatest talent is a unique ability to lift the spirits of those around her.
Thompson has good reason to smile. She is one of only five rhythmic gymnast in the country selected to represent the U.S. at Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
Thompson's coach, Denise Quinn who works at Dance Dynamics in Geneva, said Thompson is on top of her game.
"She's ready. She's ready," Quinn said.
Thompson may be ready, but she's not resting. She's perfecting what she does, and it takes hours and hours of practice, both at the studio and home.
"Every single morning, we are in that basement, practice, practice, and practice my routine." Thompson said.
"I think she has every opportunity to shine among all the best athletes there," Quinn added.
But being the best is not necessarily Thompson's top priority at the World Games.
"My goal is to have fun," Thompson said.
She also plans to use her infection laugh to do what she really does best, which is lift the spirits of her friends, coaches and teammates.
"She can take anybody's bad day and turn it into a great day," Quinn said.
FOX 32 News wishes Michelle Thompson the very best when she competes at Special Olympics World Games.
The event kicks off July 25th in Los Angeles.
FOX 32 will continue to bring you area athlete profiles every Monday at 9 pm, leading up to the World Games.
Thousands of athletes from 177 nations are competing on a world stage in Los Angeles.
This week on Chicago Stories, FOX 32 begins profiling area athletes chosen to represent Illinois in the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.
Michelle Thompson of Geneva is a talented rhythmic gymnast. However, perhaps her greatest talent is a unique ability to lift the spirits of those around her.
Thompson has good reason to smile. She is one of only five rhythmic gymnast in the country selected to represent the U.S. at Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
Thompson's coach, Denise Quinn who works at Dance Dynamics in Geneva, said Thompson is on top of her game.
"She's ready. She's ready," Quinn said.
Thompson may be ready, but she's not resting. She's perfecting what she does, and it takes hours and hours of practice, both at the studio and home.
"Every single morning, we are in that basement, practice, practice, and practice my routine." Thompson said.
"I think she has every opportunity to shine among all the best athletes there," Quinn added.
But being the best is not necessarily Thompson's top priority at the World Games.
"My goal is to have fun," Thompson said.
She also plans to use her infection laugh to do what she really does best, which is lift the spirits of her friends, coaches and teammates.
"She can take anybody's bad day and turn it into a great day," Quinn said.
FOX 32 News wishes Michelle Thompson the very best when she competes at Special Olympics World Games.
The event kicks off July 25th in Los Angeles.
FOX 32 will continue to bring you area athlete profiles every Monday at 9 pm, leading up to the World Games.
