Metro-east gymnast headed to Berlin for Special Olympics World Games

Hard work and perseverance have paid off for Colleen Costello with a trip to Germany to participate in Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

Colleen, 36, of Millstadt, is a gymnast and will be in the rhythmic gymnastics competition. It will have four components, ribbon, hoops, rope and clubs.

Although Colleen didn’t go to the national team trials, she was chosen as a substitute in November after two other gymnasts were unable to go. Colleen was experienced and able to learn the routines at what is short notice for rhythmic gymnasts, said her mother, Kathy Costello.

That has meant a lot of work and a lot of time at the gym.

“She practically lives there now,” Kathy said.

Colleen said she was attracted to gymnastics and started when she was 10.

She trains with Jenny Hitt at World Class Gymnastics at the Belleville Sportsplex. Hitt will be going to the games as one of two artistic advisors.

“I’m pretty excited,” she said. “It’s my first world games. I was watching the world games on TV in 2000 when I first got the bug. I’ve been to two U.S. games.”

She leaves for New York and a period of orientation on June 10. The Games will be held from June 17-25. Her proud mom and dad, Kathy and Allen Costello, are going as well.

Kathy said the Germany trip is kind of a culmination of the progress Colleen has made in the past few years in overcoming her autism. Colleen is on the Illinois state board for Special Olympics. The purpose is to improve the athletic experience.

“Her teammates give her an idea on how to make things better and she tells other board members,” Kathy said. “She’ll keep bringing it up and bringing it up and bringing it up until something gets done. The experience has really made her more self-confident”

The Costellos also are involved with the Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children.

Colleen enjoys riding horses and swimming as well as other athletic activities.

In Germany she will stay with a host family to get a true experience of Germany and get acclimated a bit.

“I suspect they will get spoiled,” Kathy said. “We’re all really looking forward to it.”