Falls’ Stelpflug Earns Gold in Athens

There is no stage too big – or more accurately, pool too deep – for Menomonee Falls’ aquatic speedster Becca Stelpflug.

Stelpflug, a swimmer, is competing in the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Athens, Greece this week. Monday she won the gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke competition. It was Stelpflug’s first official race of the games, and she earned the medal by setting a personal best record of 2 minutes 55 seconds.

“It was a tough battle but she really put all of her effort into it,” said her mother Rita Stelpflug via email from Athens. “You could tell.  I am so proud if her.”

On Tuesday, Stelpflug finished fourth in the 100-meter freestyle race. However, Stelpflug was swimming in pain as she hurt her leg while in Athens, according to her mother.

Stelpflug swims again Thursday in the 200-meter freestyle, and for the final time on Sunday in the 50-meter medley relay.

More than 7,500 athletes from around the world are competing in the Athens games, which run from June 25 to July 4.

Stelpflug’s story began in Peru, where she was born 20 years ago. When she was two months old, Becca was adopted by Rita Stelpflug.  Becca suffers from short-term memory loss and has spent her years in the special education program in the Menomonee Falls School District. She has struggled in the classroom but has persevered. She expects to graduate from Menomonee Falls in 2012.