Idaho man wins bronze in international Special Olympics competition

Jeff Greene, an Idaho man with Down syndrome, competed in the 25- and 50-meter snowshoe dash at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. He brought home a bronze medal for the 50-meter race.

“It was amazing, best time in my life,” Greene said. Family members and friends were there to cheer him on. 

His mom, Nancy Greene, said it was overwhelming to see Jeff compete on the world stage. 

“I’m so blessed to be part of this adventure,” she said.

Jeff and his family live in the small town of Peck, Idaho. The community held a huge sendoff celebration before he flew to Italy.

“It’s truly amazing to see the support from the community around Jeff,” John Lair, Jeff’s Special Olympics coach, said.

Lair said when he first met Jeff, he knew they were going to get along. 

“He was so dedicated to snowshoeing and getting in shape,” he said.

Although he’s based in Kansas City, Lair made workout plans for Jeff. He held coaching and workout sessions on Zoom leading up to the competition abroad. 

When it comes to sports, Jeff isn’t taking much of a break. He said he’s  already back to basketball practice with his north Idaho team, the Moscow Rebel Tigers.

“I want to say thank you so much for being supportive of me, and a big thanks to all my friends in Idaho,” he said.