Get to know Rachel Mullins.
Rachel Mullins is a deaf Special Olympics athlete from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rachel recently graduated from Hixon High School. Mullins participates in everything the area offers and loves to participate in the track and field events as she did at the 2022 State Summer Games. Mullins was her area’s Athlete of the Year and was nominated for State Athlete of the Year.
Mullins has participated in Special Olympics for over eight years after a teacher encouraged her to join. Mullins expressed her love for Special Olympics and talked about how she would continue participating in events, even after graduating. She stated that she was surprised she won Athlete of the Year and that she was happy that she graduated high school.
Mullins has participated in athletics (track and field) for four years. Apart from track and field, she enjoys swimming and basketball. Mullins said outside of Special Olympics, she enjoys dancing as well as getting her eyes checked. The events that she took part in at Summer Games were the long jump and relay, though her favorite event is basketball. As she continues to participate in Special Olympics, Mullins plans on evolving her skills in basketball and track because of her love for running.
What has been one of her favorite memories with Special Olympics Tennessee?
“Carrying the torch [during the opening of Summer Games] was wonderful! A policeman helped me.”
Mullins also talked about her love for traveling and where her favorite place to travel was.
“Winter Games was my favorite place to travel," said Mullins. "I like ice skating and we were able to go [to Winter Games] twice.”
As a parting note, Rachel expressed her love for the organization and the excitement she has to continue her participation.
Learn more about Special Olympics Tennessee activities in and around the Chattanooga area here.
Learn more about Opening Eyes and how the program provides comprehensive eye assessments, prescription eyewear, sunglasses and sports goggles to Special Olympics athletes here.
