A number of Alaska athletes took part at several Alaskans competed at the Special Olympic World Summer Games in Berlin, Germany this month. Eagle River resident Bobby Hill brought home an Olympic gold medal as well as three silver medals in a variety of weightlifting competitions.
Hill has been participating in Special Olympics for more than 30 years. He explains that training for a variety of events is about maintaining his fitness. While he enjoys winning medals, he that he likes interacting with fellow athletes.
“It’s amazing, and truly amazing,” Hill said. “But I love having my friends around me.”
Hill won the gold medal in the bench press. He threw 70 kilograms which is 154 lbs. Hill also won silver in deadlift, squat and combined lifting.
Hill’s dad, Bobby Sr, says his son was always interested in athletics and began participating at the Special Olympics when he was eight. In addition to the recognition, Bobby Sr. says the powerlifting sport has made his son lead a healthier lifestyle.
Hill isn’t the first time he’s competed competing in his first World Summer Games. Hill competed at the World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland in 2003 and Shanghai, China in 2007.
Hill isn’t even the only Alaskan who stood out at the Summer Games. Palmer residents Gretchen Winter got 4th place in the 1500 meter race.
“Bobby as well as Gretchen have been a part of Alaska as well as in the United States with pride,” said Special Olympics Alaska Interim CEO, Sarah Arts. “Watching Gretchen fight through an injury, refusing to give up, was truly inspirational. And Bobby did his best to meet the challenge by lifting greater than the bodyweight in each of his exercises.”
