Jan Krekel, Team USA Assistant Coach
Home: Taylorsville
Employer: Churchill Park School
Years in Special Olympics: 30
Sports Coached: Aquatics
Notes: 2007 will mark the fourth World Summer Games coaching stint for Jan. She also coached aquatics athletes at the 1991 Games in Minneapolis, the 1995 Games in New Haven, Conn., and the 1999 Games in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C. Krekel also served as the Head Coach for the very successful Team Kentucky swimming effort at the 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, Iowa. In those Games, Kentucky swimmers medalled in every event in which they were entered. The four swimmers claimed a total of six gold medals out of a possible nine events. In addition to coaching Special Olympics athletes, Krekel also served as a coach for the 1988 Paralympics in Atlanta.
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Kyle Gathof
Home: LaGrange
Birthday: 01/18/79
Employer: Baptist Hospital Northeast
Years in Special Olympics: 7
Sports: Aquatics, Basketball, Bowling, Soccer, Softball
Hobbies: Swimming, Lawn Work and Movies
Notes: Kyle recently competed as part of Team Kentucky at the 2006 Special Olympics USA National Games in Ames, Iowa. He won three gold medals – in the 25- and 50-yard freestyles and the 4x25-yard medley relay.
What accomplishments make you most proud of yourself?: Doing my best like at National Games. I trained, learned, did my best and won three gold medals.
How has Special Olympics changed your life?: By giving me an opportunity to prove myself.
What does attending World Games mean to you?: It will be a life-time experience. I am sure I will never forget it. I will make Kentucky and Team USA proud.
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Megan McCormick
Home: Lexington
Birthday: 10/27/88
School: Tates Creek High School
Years in Special Olympics: 10
Sports: Aquatics, Cheerleading, Gymnastics
Hobbies: Reading, listening to classical music, opera, dance
Notes: This will be Megan’s second consecutive World Summer Games appearance. She competed in artistic gymnastics at the 2003 World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland, where she won one gold medal, three silver and one bronze. Megan has completed Global Messenger training has given several speeches on behalf of the program. She is also a member of the Beta Honors Club at Tates Creek High School.
What accomplishments make you most proud of yourself?: My academics in school, my ability to play the piano and my sports.
How has Special Olympics changed your life?: I have made many friends and have traveled.
What does attending World Games mean to you?: I am excited and feel honored to be a member of Team USA.
