Anne Norby: Courage and Confidence Through Competition

Anne Norby, from Dryden, New York, has been part of Special Olympics New York for more than seven years, growing into both a decorated athlete and a respected leader. Now 35, Anne is best known for her achievements in swimming, where she competes in events ranging from the 50-meter butterfly to long-distance freestyle. She also has competed in alpine skiing and cycling, embracing every opportunity to test her abilities.

Anne Norby found competing in the Special Olympics 50-Meter Fly. Photo Credit: Conor Lange

Anne Norby found competing in the Special Olympics 50-Meter Fly. Photo Credit: Conor Lange

Anne represented New York on the national stage at the 2022 USA Games in Orlando, where she competed in multiple swimming events, including the 500-yard freestyle, 200-yard individual medley, and 4×50-yard medley relay. More recently, she took part in the 2025 New York State Summer Games at Ithaca College, competing in several swim events and proudly serving as a voice of encouragement during Opening Ceremonies.

Her contributions go beyond the pool. Anne is a member of the Southern Tier Athlete Leadership Council and, in 2025, graduated from the Regional Athlete Leadership Council in the Central Region. Anne also serves on the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Board and recently attended their annual conference in Minneapolis, where she had a fantastic time. Through these roles, she has spoken at major events, supported athlete advocacy, and represented her peers with pride.

Dryden’s Anne Norby lights the ceremonial torch during the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Special Olympics New York Summer Games. Ithaca will host the Games for the third straight year, beginning on June 14. Photo Credit: Devan Accardo

Dryden’s Anne Norby lights the ceremonial torch during the opening ceremonies of the 2023 Special Olympics New York Summer Games. Ithaca will host the Games for the third straight year, beginning on June 14. Photo Credit: Devan Accardo

Anne has been swimming competitively since the age of eight, and she often describes herself as a “distance swimmer” who simply loves the water. Special Olympics, she says, has given her confidence, lifelong friendships, and the belief that her disability does not define or limit her. Whether she is competing, speaking at ceremonies, or joining the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Anne continues to inspire those around her with her determination and her joy.

 

 

Ithaca College. (2025, June). The heart and skills of a champion: Anne Norby. https://www.ithaca.edu/news/heart-and-skills-champion
Special Olympics New York. (2023). Athlete of the Year nominees. https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/news/aoy-2023/
Special Olympics New York. (2025, April). Central Region Athlete Leadership Council graduates. https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/news/central-alc-2025/
Special Olympics. (2022). USA Games Orlando 2022: Anne Norby athlete results. https://results.specialolympics.org/usa-games-orlando-2022/athletes/anne-norby-8440666

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