Two Northern Kentucky athletes have been nominated to represent the United States in next year’s Special Olympics World Games. The 2027 World Games will take place in Santiago, Chile.
26-year-old Maddie Brinkman of Union and 50-year-old Chris Revay of Fort Mitchell were both nominated to compete in the games. Both have competed in multiple events as Special Olympics athletes but received nominations for single events. Brinkman was nominated for swimming, and Revay for golf. Additionally, Fort Wright coach Debbie Ogden will serve as the head swimming coach for the Special Olympics USA delegation.
Brinkman’s nomination will mark her first foray into the World Games. This will be Revay’s third World Games appearance. Brinkman was part of the gold medal-winning relay team representing Kentucky at the 2026 USA Games. She’s also earned multiple other medals in other events throughout her 10-year Special Olympics career.
Revay earned a silver medal in the 9-hole individual stroke play at the 2026 USA Games. He’s also earned medals in soccer. In 2000 at the National Invitational Tournament, he became the first Special Olympics golfer to get a hole-in-one in an official Special Olympics competition.
Trials for the USA team will take place later this September in Pittsburgh. The final official team will be announced in October.