She has run 30 marathons and has been ranked in Boston’s Top 100 Marathoners twice. She earned a black belt in karate and completed a triathlon. She knows the power of commitment and what it takes to literally go the distance. Head of the Inspiration Department at Special Olympics Loretta Claiborne She will do anything it takes to cross the finish line, and is an unwavering advocate for people who suffer Intellectual disabilities Reflects the same design.
Loretta grew up in York, Pennsylvania, born partially blind and with intellectual disabilities, in a household she shared with her single mother and six siblings. She was told she might never go to school, she was told she would never be able to read, she was told she would never work, and she told herself something different. In 1966, she began running, an outlet that brought her greater relief than any medication she had ever been prescribed. A high school counselor quickly noticed this and recommended that she participate in Special Olympics York County. This was her golden ticket.
Since then, she has represented Special Olympics as a global speaker, sharing her real-life experience Embedding. By speaking to underserved youth communities, Loretta taught how important one’s voice is in instigating change. Her voice was recognized with a 1996 ESPY-Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, and four years later, her life was chronicled in a Walt Disney Productions film.Loretta Claiborne’s story“.
Her story is being told in a new way, with her book set to be released in June 2026.Loretta: The finish line is only the beginning“ It shows that the finish line is not the end, but the beginning of something more. Loretta Claiborne’s story invites readers to see ability in new ways and recognize the potential in everyone.
Learn more at www.lorettabook.com.
IRR: Loretta Claiborne
She has competed in 30 marathons and has been ranked in the Top 100 Boston Marathoners twice. She earned a black belt in karate and completed a triathlon. She knows the power of commitment and what it takes to literally go the distance. Special Olympics Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne will do whatever it takes to cross the finish line, and her steadfast advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities reflects that same determination. Read the article
