Meet the athletes and coach representing Team Tennessee in Athletics (Track& Field) at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Click here to donate and support Christian.
Click here to donate and support Matthew.
Click here to donate and support Elise.
Click here to donate and support Christian.
Click here to donate and support Matthew.
Click here to donate and support Elise.
Athletes
Christian Chappell
Home: Nashville
Other sports: Basketball & Volleyball
Years as an athlete: 25
Favorite pre-game snack: Eggs and banana
Athlete you want to meet: Russel Wilson
Other sports: Basketball & Volleyball
Years as an athlete: 25
Favorite pre-game snack: Eggs and banana
Athlete you want to meet: Russel Wilson
Matthew Diestelow
Home: Marshall County
On being a part of Team Tennessee: "I am excited to be a part of the team for the first time!"
Favorite musical group: The Backstreet Boys
Favorite pre-game snack: Wings
On being a part of Team Tennessee: "I am excited to be a part of the team for the first time!"
Favorite musical group: The Backstreet Boys
Favorite pre-game snack: Wings
Elise Harren
Home: Rutherford County
Years as an athlete: Nine
Other sports: Basketball & Soccer
Pre-game meal or snack: Fruit bars or protein bar. Fish, rice and cooked carrots.
Athletes she wants to meet: Simone Biles and Shawn Johnson
Years as an athlete: Nine
Other sports: Basketball & Soccer
Pre-game meal or snack: Fruit bars or protein bar. Fish, rice and cooked carrots.
Athletes she wants to meet: Simone Biles and Shawn Johnson
Coach
Jennifer Copeland
Home: Cheatham County
How do you motivate your athletes: It's all about fun. Lots of laughter and enjoyment makes for an amazing competition.
Favorite pump-up song: Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Athlete you want to meet: Michael Jordan
How do you motivate your athletes: It's all about fun. Lots of laughter and enjoyment makes for an amazing competition.
Favorite pump-up song: Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
Athlete you want to meet: Michael Jordan