Athlete Profile: Andy Todd
By Barb Mainz| bmainz@somdba.org
December 02, 2009

Determined. “I Can” attitude. Highly Motivated. Dedicated. Outgoing. Friendly. Extremely Coachable. These are just a few of the words about Andy Todd, a 136-pound powerlifter. The words, uttered by the Baltimore County Special Olympics’ Powerlifting coaches describe an athlete who just set a Special Olympics Maryland State Record in the deadlift at 275 pounds. In this, his third powerlifting competition Andy returned with three gold medals and a new state record with his sights set on even bigger lifts in the upcoming seasons.

Supported by a wonderful family and many friends, Andy has been involved in Special Olympics since 1996. A veteran of six different sports, he stated that powerlifting is his favorite and he hopes to be able to represent Baltimore County at either the National or World Games in powerlifting in the near future. Andy credits Special Olympics and all of the wonderful volunteers for helping him boost his confidence and become more independent in his everyday life.

I CAN

Before participating in Special Olympics Maryland Baltimore County [SOMDBA], Andy played softball, track & field, Bocce, and roller-skating in Special Olympics in North Carolina. He says Special Olympics have helped him make many new friends and that he really enjoys the “social scene” that it provides.

A newly selected Athlete Congress representative for SOMDBA, Andy is looking forward to sharing his positive experiences with other athletes from around the state. As an AC representative, Andy will assist Special Olympics Maryland volunteers and staff at the Summer Congress. In doing so, Andy hopes to give back all that he has been given in during the years in Special Olympics.

When not practicing his power lifting, Andy works as a security officer. He also finds other ways to help Special Olympics. For example, this past summer he volunteered at the Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games and was a sign carrier for SOMDBA. In 2002, he participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland. Additionally, he plans to contribute his time and energy to the Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge scheduled for January 30, 2010.

Spending just a little bit of time with Andy, one sees how he’s not only an incredible individual and a talented athlete, but also a tremendous advocate for Special Olympics and all of the wonderful things it provides. He even mentioned how when he talks with other parents of individuals with disabilities, he suggests to them “to check it out” and “get involved because nobody’s ever left out or made fun of.”

Andy’s family and friends said that due to his SOMDBA participation, Andy “…now has more confidence in other aspects within the community.” Additionally, “Special Olympics Powerlifting gives us something as a family we can watch him in and encourage him beyond his school years. It is giving us a way of bonding and sharing with him.”

When asked what he likes best about Special Olympics, Andy replied, “its worldwide, great volunteers and it really helps me grow, it’s awesome!”

Congratulations Andy on all of your accomplishments and personal achievements and continued success in all that you do in the future.

About Barb Mainz
Barb Mainz is a Maryland-based author, speaker, athletic trainer and a personal development coach. She earned her Masters degree from The Johns Hopkins University and is currently working on her eighth book due out January 2010. A highly decorated athlete herself, Barb has coached three different sports for Special Olympics and volunteers in her community whenever her travel schedule allows.
Contact: bmainz@somdba.org