Arianna Phillips after an emotional reunion with family, friends and supporters when she came back from the World Special Olympics event. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

triumph

Top Stories of 2019: Nanaimo Special Olympian triumphs on world stage

Dec 29, 2019 | 12:15 AM

NANAIMO — Despite a high medal count, winning two golds and a bronze at the Special Olympics World Summer Games came second for a Nanaimo athlete.

Teen athlete Arianna Phillips is most proud of the personal bests she posted on her way to those medals in the 4×100 metre relay, 200 metre run and high jump.

She excelled in all sports at the competition in Abu Dhabi over the summer.

“That hit me more than getting the medals around my neck. I’m always hoping for a new personal best. That’s always an athlete’s goal,” she told NanaimoNewsNOW upon arriving home after an arduous journey marred by numerous delayed flights.

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Even with three personal bests and medals from the biggest Special Olympics event in the world for summer sports, her drive isn’t lessened in the slightest.

She’s achieved her summer dream of making it to the Winter Special Olympics for figure skating, a sport which was her passion before finding her wings on the track.

She’ll compete in late February.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit