Special Honor for Reston Runner

When the 2011 Special Olympics World Games open in Athens, Greece, next summer, Rose Pleskow will be among the 7,500 athletes taking part in the competition.

Pleskow earned the trip by medaling in the 3,000- and 1,500-meter runs in state competition last spring. For the 20-year-old Restonian, it is just a continuation of her determination and her love of sports.

Pleskow, a 2009 graduate of South Lakes High School,  ran cross country and track for the Seahawks. She swam each summer with the Ridge Heights Sharks of the Reston Swim Team Association, and has also taken part in Special Olympics cross country skiing and sailing events.

"I was really happy," Pleskow says about qualifying for the World Games. "It made my day. I am going to train really hard between now and then, running and lifting weights."

Pleskow, who will be starting a medical assistant program through Falls Church Academy this fall, has intellectual disabilities. Her mother, Susan, says sports have been a way for her daughter to try new things, gain confidence and be part of a team.

"She feels like she can do whatever she sets her mind to now," said Susan Pleskow.

Pleskow's father, Mark, was especially awed by his daughter's acheivement.

"Rose is just all heart and drive," he said. "This is just a testament to how hard she works.

The Pleskows, along with their younger daughter, Anna, will be in Athens to cheer for Rose.

Mark Pleskow points out that sports has been a way for Rose to flourish, whether in a mainstream environment or through Special Olympics. Rose Pleskow attended a special-needs private school before entering South Lakes as a freshman. Her parents were concerned that the large public high school might be an overwhelming environment.

Rose put their fears to ease, immediately finding her niche on the cross country team. She trained hard that summer before ninth grade and began school as a member of the team.

"South Lakes was a very nurturing place for Rose," said Mark Pleskow.