Meet the athletes and coach representing Team Tennessee in Athletics (Track& Field) at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
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: Russell Wilson
Other sports: Basketball & Volleyball
Years as an athlete: 25
Favorite pre-game snack: Eggs and banana
Athlete you want to meet: Russell 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