LAFAYETTE, CA —
In a moment of celebration and pride, 15-year-old swimmer Simon Keenan will represent Special Olympics Northern California at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Simon, a sophomore at Miramonte High School in Orinda, received the surprise announcement while standing on the medal podium at the Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games. Officials selected him as one of only four swimmers from the region to compete on the national stage. The Simon Keenan Special Olympics 2026 selection highlights both his athletic excellence and his leadership.
He joined the East Bay Sea Serpents at age six and has spent the last nine years training, growing, and competing. Known for his focus and positive attitude, Simon brings energy to every practice and meet.
“Simon shows us what determination and community spirit look like,” said Coach Brian Wentzel, who will also head to Minneapolis as part of the NorCal coaching staff. “He leads by example and lifts everyone around him.”
Beyond the pool, Simon stays incredibly active. He performs in Miramonte’s musical theater program, plays Special Olympics basketball, and wrestles on the junior varsity team. He also shares entertaining food reviews on Instagram at @simon_food_reviews.
Simon comes from a tight-knit family that includes parents Alicia and David Keenan, his triplet siblings Grayson and Lorelei, older siblings Ania and Rowan, and their two dogs, Link and Charlie.
The Simon Keenan Special Olympics 2026 selection makes history for the East Bay Sea Serpents, marking the first time one of their swimmers has earned a spot at the USA Games. His story reflects the very best of inclusive and competitive swimming.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will take place in June 2026 and will welcome over 4,000 athletes and tens of thousands of fans to Minneapolis. The event promotes excellence, inclusion, and the power of sport.
✅ Learn More
Visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org to explore the Games.
Follow Simon’s team at ebss.team and join us in celebrating this incredible milestone.
