In January 2024, after five months of hard work, Antron “Gus” Williams earned his non-medical independent transportation provider license, something he is very proud of. To Williams’ knowledge, he is the first Special Olympics athlete to receive this certification. In his new role, he believes he is making a tangible impact within the disability community.
But it was the events that occurred years ago that made the achievement of obtaining the license even more important.
William’s life spiraled in a direction he did not expect when he had a medical scare in 2012. Appearing to be in good health before the event, Williams suffered a massive stroke on September 26.y2012. And so he found himself in a new normal.
After the stroke, he was in a medically induced coma. During this time, he could hear everything people were saying, and understand his surroundings, but because he was in a coma he was unable to communicate. It was as if he could repeat everything he was told in his mind but was unable to vocalize it or attract anyone’s attention.
After emerging from the coma, Williams had to relearn how to walk, talk and run. However, despite the obstacles he faced, he maintained a positive mindset and outlook.
While he was already a Special Olympics Ohio An athlete for many years, competing in it basketball, Bowling and GolfAfter his stroke, he realized the true power of Special Olympics. He credits the organization and his mentor, Eric Johnson, whom he met in 2021, with helping him get through some of the darkest times in his life.
“I’m lucky to be a part of Special Olympics because I’ve been struggling with a lot of depression and it’s helped me,” Gus says. “He helped me through my journey.”
His journey back to “normalcy” hasn’t been without bumps along the way, but Williams has forged a new normal, and found his place in Special Olympics Sports leader. He has served on his local Athlete Intake Board and has had the opportunity to travel to participate in public speaking engagements. “It means a lot because I am making a huge impact, not only in my community but throughout the national community,” Williams says of his role as an athlete leader.
These opportunities and the leadership skills he learned through Special Olympics led Williams to want to make a greater impact on the disability community.
“I know a lot of my Special Olympics teammates are struggling financially, some of them don’t have a good parent, or anything like that to help them along the way, and there are a lot of people who don’t have access to good health care,” Williams says. Lots of emotion. “That’s why I wanted to stand up for my colleagues and support them as much as possible.”
In January 2024, after five months of hard work and a lifetime of preparation, he obtained his Independent Non-Medical Transportation Provider license, something he is very proud of. To Williams’ knowledge, he is the first Special Olympics athlete to receive this certification. Through this role, he believes he is making a tangible impact within the disability community.
During the days he spends in this new role as an independent service provider, you will find him leading his clients to their various daily commitments and appointments, including work, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs. “I don’t mind driving long distances because I’m helping others who need it,” he says. He feels very lucky to have the freedom to do the things he loves. He realizes that not everyone in the disability community can do this and values giving others the same freedom. He also hopes his journey will encourage others to overcome their challenges.
“Be great at what you do, and believe in something you know,” he shares. “My advice is to study if this is something you really want to do.”
Williams believes that certain things are meant to happen in life, and you can learn valuable lessons and skills from adversity. He is grateful to have been put in a position to make a positive difference in people’s lives and find a meaningful way to support his family. He encourages other Special Olympics athletes to use their voices and life experiences to make a difference in their communities as well.
