ORLANDO, Fla. — For some, it’s not enough to simply change perceptions. It’s about supporting others so they can do the same for themselves.

What You Need To Know

  • Abigail Adams has Down syndrome and defies all expectations

  • Adams serves as advocate for inclusion, inspiring others through her athletic prowess and positive attitude
  • When teammate's competition bike was stolen, Adams raised funds to replace it

“We do help friends, no matter what the cost is,” Abigail Adams said.

After a fellow triathlete, Victoria, had her competition bike stolen, Adams spearheaded the charge to replace it, raising roughly $6,000 through a GoFundMe.

The 23-year-old also serves as an advocate for inclusion, as she defies expectations on a daily basis.

“I get that I have Down syndrome, but it makes me unique and I know I’m special in my own way,” she said.

An Athlete from the Start

Adams' father, Steve, said that he and his wife were aware of his daughter’s Down syndrome during the pregnancy. It was a “tragic, heartbreaking” discovery, he explained, as they didn’t know what to expect.

And as she grew, Steve knew that Abigail would face challenges; there were “rough days,” as Abigail described.

Steve never imagined how she’d not only overcome such obstacles, but feel compelled to go to great lengths for others.

“I feel proud of Abigail that she wants to help. I feel encouraged that there are so many people who do want to help … strangers reached out with an act of kindness to help her get a new bike,” he said. “The best thing about Abigail is that she’s got a great heart.”

But Abigail also had an aptitude for sports, somehow excelling at a wide range, from soccer to swimming, competitive cheerleading to gymnastics.

She soon found she was fond of training for triathlons, as she finished her first one in 2021.

The follow year, she competed in ten, qualified for nationals and served as an integral part of the Florida Special Olympics team.

“I love a good challenge,” she said.

Now, as she continues her training, eyeing more triathlons and other competitions in the near future, Abigail said that she thinks about her own bigger life goals: getting married and being happy.

In the meantime, she’s content as an advocate for others, promoting acceptance and inclusion.

“People like us who have Down syndrome can have a mission for inclusion,” she said, continuing, “They can do anything, everything.”

Steve said that the leftover money raised through the GoFundMe campaign to replace the stolen bike will be split between supporting inclusion programs with the U.S. Triathlon Association and the Down syndrome Foundation of Florida’s “I can Bike” program, where both Abigail and Victoria learned to ride.

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