Higganum Teen Earns Three Medals at 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

Submitted by Amy Tenbrunsel and Reagan Aronson

(September 3, 2026) — Aedan Tenbrunsel of Higganum, a Senior at Haddam-Killingworth High School, competed in the 2026 Special Olympics USA National Games this past June as a member of Team Connecticut’s swim team, winning a divisional gold medal in the 50 backstroke, a divisional silver medal in the 50 freestyle, and the championship silver medal with his 4×50 freestyle relay team.

Tenbrunsel was selected to compete for Team Connecticut in the summer of 2025 and began his training last October. He practiced weekly with his teammates in Shelton, leading up to the summer games. Heather Minervi of Waterbury was the team’s head coach.

“When I found out I was chosen, I was overwhelmed with happiness,” Tenbrunsel said. “It felt like all of my hard work had paid off.” Tenbrunsel has been swimming with Special Olympics for nine years. He also has competed on the HKHS swim team and trained with the Cougar Aquatic Team under Coach Steve Cusano for the past three years.

“When I first walked into the pool for the Special Olympics USA Games, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness and was ready to give it my best,” he said. “It was a moment I will never forget.” Tenbrunsel flew with Team Connecticut to and from Minneapolis on a private jet donated by Whelen Engineering. The Chester-based company often partners with Special Olympics Connecticut to promote inclusion.

Tenbrunsel described the trip as “awesome.” In addition to competing, he met athletes from across the country and cheered for them throughout the event. According to Special Olympics Connecticut, fifty-eight athletes represented the state at the USA Games in swimming, track and field, basketball, softball and bowling. “I felt like I was living a dream,” said Tenbrunsel.

Photo by Reagan Aronson