Special Olympics Florida Runner Takes on the London Marathon

Special Olympics Florida athletes continue to make their mark on the world.

In early October, Seminole County distance runner Samantha Rodriquez took on her third marathon in less than a year. Samantha headed off to England to compete in the TCS London Marathon, with more than 36,000 other racers. Last year, Samantha ran the Boston Marathon (virtually) and the New York City Marathon (in person), becoming the youngest woman with autism ever to complete that race.

In February, we honored Samantha with a Local Hero Award for her accomplishments and her dedication to showing society that people with intellectual disabilities will do amazing things if they’re just given the chance. In London, ankle pain forced Samantha to withdraw from the race after 12 miles, but she’s already making plans to return.

Samantha embodies the phrase “brave in the attempt.” We are so proud of what she’s done.