TEAM USA • SWIMMING

ROAD TO SANTIAGO 2027

CARSON CHANEY

From Taylorsville, Kentucky to the world stage. Carson has been selected to represent Team USA in swimming at the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile. October 16-24, 2027

2027 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES

CARSON IS GOING TO SANTIAGO!

Carson has been selected to represent Team USA in swimming at the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile.After competing at the Special Olympics USA Games as a member of the Kentucky Swim Team, Carson's journey now continues to the international stage.He will compete in the 800-meter and 1,500-meter swimming events in Santiago.

A Young Man with a Big Heart and a Big Dream

MEET CARSON

Carson Chaney is a 20-year-old from Taylorsville, Kentucky, with a big smile, a kind heart and a curious mind.Outside of the swimming pool, Carson has a special love for trains and LEGOs. He enjoys learning about trains, building with LEGOs and spending time doing the things that capture his imagination. If you're around Carson for very long, he'll have you laughing with his hilarious movie quotes!The 2027 World Games will mark Carson’s World Games debut, an incredible milestone in his eight-year journey with Special Olympics. Carson first became involved in the program as a swimmer and has since competed in bowling, track and field, and swimming.Carson’s athletic accomplishments extend beyond the pool. While a student at Spencer County High School, he’s competed in KHSAA Unified Track and Field, where he earned a medal in every state track and field meet.His journey to Santiago is not only a story about swimming. It's a story about a young man following a dream and the people who believe in him.

2027 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD GAMES

FROM KENTUCKY TO TEAM USA

Carson's swimming journey began in Spencer County, Kentucky, where he discovered a sport that would become a source of confidence, friendship and accomplishment.Through Special Olympics Kentucky, Carson continued to develop his skills and compete at increasingly higher levels. His dedication eventually earned him a place on Team Kentucky, where he competed at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.At the USA Games, Carson had an incredible showing, earning a Gold Medal (4x50 Medley Relay) and a Silver Medal (100yd Backstroke). He loved helping his team compete on the national stage.But the biggest chapter of Carson's swimming journey is still ahead.Carson is one of only two swimmers from Kentucky selected to compete in the World Games 2027. The USA Swimming Team will consist of just 12 athletes—six males and six females—representing states from across the country. Alongside Carson will be his coach, Debbie Ogden, and his Team KY teammate, Madelyn Brinkman.Carson will proudly wear the USA uniform and represent Kentucky, his community and his country in Santiago.

HELP CARSON GET TO SANTIAGO

A Dream This Big Takes a Team

Carson has worked hard for this opportunity, and now he needs a little help from his hometown community to make the journey to Santiago possible.Representing Team USA at the 2027 Special Olympics World Games is an incredible honor—and an experience of a lifetime. But traveling to an international competition comes with significant expenses, including airfare, lodging, meals, transportation, training and other travel-related costs.Our goal is to raise $9,000 to help cover Carson's expenses as he travels from Taylorsville, Kentucky, to Santiago, Chile, to compete on the world stage.Every contribution, no matter the size, brings Carson one step closer to the starting blocks in Santiago.If you would like to support Carson's journey, you can make a donation or help spread the word by sharing his story with your family, friends, businesses and community.Thank you for believing in Carson, cheering him on, and helping make this dream possible.