Congratulations to Peyton Jones on his gold medal at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota! This is the biggest Special Olympics event in the country, held every four years. Peyton won the 100-yard backstroke final after progressing through heats against other state representatives from across the country.

Peyton has been swimming for almost 19 years and has been a member of the Claremont Cool Cats of Special Olympics New Hampshire since he was eleven years old. Payton is going into his final year of the Stevens High School Life Skills Program. The program focuses on functional academics, daily living skills, and transitional support to foster independence and prepare students for life after high school. 

Peyton’s win was broadcast live on ESPN, and country-wide, viewers got to see his skill, speed, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Congratulations Peyton!