Angel Athenas
Induction Year: 2023
Location: West Islip
Category: Special Olympics and Weightlifting
Angel Athenas is one of the top powerlifters in America and holds every record for female powerlifters within the Special Olympics New York in the deadlift, squat, and bench press. She has represented New York at two Special Olympics USA Games – Seattle 2018 and Orlando 2022 – and competed at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Angel is an elite athlete who represents Suffolk County at the highest levels of her sport. Her story has been profiled by ESPN and several other media outlets, and she is an inspiration to all of us for her unwavering spirit through adversity. Stacey Hengsterman, the President/CEO of Special Olympics NY, said: “When she is not center stage, Angel can be found in the front row, cheering on her teammates, motivating and encouraging them to do their best. She is a role model for her fellow athletes and an inspiration to us all.”