14 Facts About Loretta Claiborne

Loretta Claiborne is an American global speaker and multi-sport athlete who competes in the Special Olympics.

Loretta Claiborne has been honored with the 1996 Arthur Ashe ESPY Courage Award presented to her by Denzel Washington.

Loretta Claiborne was born on August 14,1953, in York, Pennsylvania.

Loretta Claiborne was the fourth of seven children, and she and her siblings were raised by their single mother, Rita Claiborne.

Loretta Claiborne was born partially blind, with an intellectual disability and clubbed feet; she underwent surgeries to correct her feet and visual impairment when she was young, and was unable to walk until she was four years old.

When Loretta Claiborne was 17, a school counselor suggested she participate in the newly formed Special Olympics.

Loretta Claiborne subsequently competed as a runner at the Special Olympics of 1970, where she received her first medal as an athlete.

Loretta Claiborne has completed over 25 marathons and has placed in the top 100 women finishers of the Boston Marathon twice.

Loretta Claiborne is a karate black belt, has been competing in the Special Olympics since 1970, and continues to train in running, figure skating, soccer, skiing, golf, basketball, softball, swimming, tennis, and bowling.

Loretta Claiborne was the 1981 Spirit of Special Olympics award recipient, and the 1988 state athlete of the year.

Loretta Claiborne is on the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Board of Directors, and in 2007 returned to the Special Olympics International Board of Directors.

At age 60 in 2013, Loretta Claiborne remained physically active but was beginning to focus more on connecting with and inspiring others.

Loretta Claiborne has received three honorary doctorate degrees, one from Quinnipiac University one from Villanova University, and one from York College of Pennsylvania.

In 2001, a medical and educational facility in her home community of York, Pennsylvania was named the Loretta Claiborne Building in her honor.