Nina Weston of Sparta, Tennessee, has coached Special Olympics powerlifting athletes for more than five years. In 2022, she served as the head coach for powerlifting in the Special Olympics USA Games. She will represent Special Olympics USA as an assistant coach in powerlifting. A member of her local health council, Nina teaches an aquatic class in the summer for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. In the fall, she assists with a fitness class called Special Warriors. She is employed as the fitness and wellness director at the Sparta - White County Family YMCA and is a certified personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, group fitness instructor, aquatics instructor and National Academy of Sports Medicine nutrition coach. As a billing analyzer, she is also employed at Generational Mental Health Center.
From her grandchildren, Nina has learned to be strong, no matter what life obstacles come her way. She coaches her athletes to be thankful and gracious, whether they win or lose. Because of Special Olympics, she is driven to persevere in the spirit of sportsmanship, grateful for every opportunity she is presented.