Who is loretta claiborne

She holds a 4th-degree black belt in karate, communicates in four languages, including American Sign Language, and holds three honorary doctorate degrees from Quinnipiac University, Villanova University, and York College of Pennsylvania, making her the first person with an intellectual disability known to receive such honors, according to Special Olympics Incorporated.

However, Claiborne says the most rewarding part of her life has been her involvement with the Special Olympics, and she wants to continue helping people with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities succeed. She advises them, "Find an opportunity and seize it.

Be the best you can be, and never let anyone doubt you. Claiborne runs every day -- often about five miles, even when she plans to go only three or four. Just for the joy of it, the joy of the moment. Along the way, Loretta completed 26 marathons, including three Boston Marathons, placing among the top of all women each time.

The following year she was inducted into the York, Pennsylvania, Sports Hall of Fame and the William Penn High School Alumni Hall of Fame - the same high school that had barred her from the track team because she had intellectual disabilities. Loretta introduced then-U. In , she was awarded a second doctorate of humane letters by Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

Currently, her uplifting life story is chronicled in the text, In Her Stride , a feature title in the WorldScapes literacy series for grades 3 through 6. One of Loretta's most memorable races was a marathon in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Running strong, Loretta noticed another runner beginning to falter. Loretta slowed her pace and stayed with the man throughout the race, encouraging him on; they crossed the finish line together.

The other runner? I was a kid from the projects—but I felt like Michael Jordan. She feels the stereotypes particularly sharply as a Black woman. And that's a terrible way to see somebody. I don't need my name anywhere. But I hope people think back on my life and see that everyone deserves to have the right to work, to live, to play.

A few weeks ago, our world was irrevocably changed. These amazing women are fighting for equal pay, visibility, and inclusivity for all. She is a woman of faith who shares her personal story to promote hope and tolerance for people around the world.

Claiborne is a world-class runner and gifted motivational speaker who happens to also be a Special Olympics athlete and a person who has an intellectual disability.

She is a celebrated game changer, and her accomplishments include:.