As a multi-sport athlete, Brad Davis proves himself to be a well-rounded competitor for Special Olympics Tennessee. On February 8, 2023, Kent Davis, Brad’s father, shared some insight on his experiences with Special Olympics. Kent touched specifically on Brad’s time at this year’s Winter Games, and how Brad brings sports into his daily life.
Brad Davis, who will turn 34 in March, competes in both powerlifting and skiing with Special Olympics USA and Special Olympics Tennessee. His training schedule becomes intense in the winter with both lifting and practicing his skills on the mountain. Brad trains at a crossfit facility and works one-on-one with a personal trainer in agility and speed exercises. He adds lifting into his schedule about three times each week as well.
“He trains a lot,” says Kent. “He skis three or four times a week in Gatlinburg and gets a lot of time on the slopes.”
Brad represented both the Maryville and Knoxville, Tennessee, areas at Winter Games in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this year. He had the opportunity to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and was the honorary torch lighter at the Opening Ceremony. Brad also led the team of skiers and snowboarders down Ober Mountain to light the torch at the bottom of the hill.
“It was really cool to see him come down from the very top of the mountain to pass off the torch to another athlete,” said Brad’s father, Kent. “He led the group all on his own.”
In addition to competing in the recent State Winter Games, Brad has had an opportunity to compete internationally amongst some of the strongest powerlifters in the world. He competed in an International Powerlifting Federation event in Denmark — a unique experience for Brad and his family. Brad also represented Team Tennessee at the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida, in the summer of 2022 and competed in powerlifting.
“At that point, things got really serious,” said Kent. “They were really wanting to know more about his training, and his dietary and health.”
With all of Brad’s experiences, Special Olympics means a lot to him and his family. Kent believes that the opportunities to be active in training and compete with other athletes has boosted Brad’s confidence significantly. Brad also receives a sense of accomplishment when looking at the medals he has earned and thinking back to his times either on the mountain or in the weight room.
“You can really feel his extreme excitement to compete by his facial expressions, the smile on his face, and the sparkle in his eye,” Kent shares.
Brad excels in both powerlifting and skiing, making him a busy, yet active, athlete for Special Olympics. His dedication and passion for sports can be witnessed by those who watch him compete in various sporting events.
