Meet SO Team BC Athlete Meliah Motchman

Motchman is a dedicated member of the Special Olympics Team BC Training Squad. She’s been putting in the work year-round with Special Olympics BC – Victoria programs, building strength in each lift. 

The National Games in Medicine Hat will mark Motchman’s debut at a Special Olympics Canada Summer Games, but she’s no stranger to competition. 

A seasoned athlete, Motchman has already built an impressive track record through 16 years of training and competing at Special Olympics BC.  

As a multi-sport athlete, she’s as impressive on land as she is in water. In 2022, Motchman's accomplishments were recognized by the World Open Water Swim Association with a nomination for the Performance of the Year award. 

“I am the first woman with Down syndrome to swim 5 kilometres and 10 kilometres in the ocean,”  Motchman said. 

In addition to swimming, she has participated in soccer and basketball with Special Olympics BC. Powerlifting is her newest sport, and she loves the way it makes her feel. 

 “I was super strong. My hard work training with coaches Jason, Jeanine, Katelin and Matt led to a really successful meet for me. I felt powerful in Prince George,” she said. 

But for her, the impact of sport goes beyond competition and results. “At Special Olympics, I have made lots of friends,” she said. 

Coach Jason Klaus, also from Victoria, is ready to help lead Motchman and the Special Olympics Team BC powerlifting team to personal bests alongside coaches Jordan Sernaggia, Casandra Tam, and George Maclagan.

“My goals for Special Olympics Team BC at the 2026 National Games are to encourage our athletes to perform at their best emotionally and physically. I want everyone to take home one of the best competitive experiences of their lives home with them,” Klaus said. 

We’re so excited to cheer on Motchman and the rest of Special Olympics Team BC at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games from August 11 to 15!