As the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games approach this June, Minnesota is preparing to welcome one of the largest sporting events in the country—bringing together more than 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, and thousands of volunteers and fans for a week that goes far beyond competition. (For a deeper look at the Games and the movement behind them, read our full feature.)
At the center of it all are the athletes and partners who make the experience what it is. Athletes Krista Dahlke and Lexxi O’Brien are preparing to compete together in Unified golf—offering a firsthand look at what makes the model so powerful. Over five years as teammates, they’ve built more than a game plan; they’ve built a friendship rooted in trust, growth, and a shared love of the sport.
Courtesy of Lexxi O'Brien
How did you first get involved with Special Olympics and Unified Golf?
Krista Dahlke: I’ve been an athlete for about 27 years. I play basketball, bowling, floor hockey, and golf. We’ve been golfing together for five years.
Lexxi O’Brien: I started working at Special Olympics Iowa in 2019, and that was really my first introduction. When I moved to Minnesota about five years ago, I knew I wanted to get involved locally—and I also wanted to learn how to golf. So, I reached out to Special Olympics Minnesota, and it was super easy to get connected. I didn’t have a partner at first, but eventually we met and paired up, and that’s how our partnership started.
For those who may not know, what is Unified Sports?
Lexxi: Unified Sports brings together people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities on the same team. So, for example, in a sport like basketball, you might have three Special Olympics athletes and two Unified partners.
With golf, it’s a little different. We play alternate shot—so Krista tees off on odd holes, and I tee off on even holes. The whole purpose is to build friendships and break down stereotypes about what people with intellectual disabilities can or can’t do. Because there are definitely things Krista can do on the course that I can’t, and vice versa.
What do you love most about golf?
Krista: When you hit it straight.
Lexxi: Krista is really good at hitting it straight, but doesn’t always have the distance. I don’t always hit it straight, but sometimes I can get us distance. So we’ve learned a lot from each other over time—there are tips she has for me and tips I have for her.
What have you learned from competing together?
Krista: Taking turns… sportsmanship.
Lexxi: I’ve learned a lot of golf skills—chipping, driving, putting—but beyond that, communication is the biggest thing. I’ve learned more communication skills through Special Olympics than almost anywhere else in my life.
We communicate differently, and I’ve learned how to adjust and be creative in how I communicate. Over time, Krista has become more comfortable too, and that’s made her a stronger communicator. That’s probably the biggest thing for me.
Krista, has competing helped build your confidence?
Krista: Yes… and it’s nice playing golf with Lexxi. She’s right next to me and helps me.
Lexxi: And that goes both ways—we’re both there for each other on the course.
How does it feel to represent Team Minnesota?
Krista: It feels great. My family and friends will be there to support me and cheer me on.
Courtesy of Lexxi O'Brien
What do you hope people understand when they watch Unified Sports?
Krista: There’s a lot of different sports—basketball, golf, track and field…
Lexxi: And our athletes are competitors. We train, we practice, we want to do well. I think when people come watch, they’ll see that—and maybe rethink any assumptions they had before. When you see it in person, you understand it, and that’s really powerful.
What’s a favorite memory you’ve shared together?
Krista: We got second at state.
Lexxi: That was a really fun one. We’ve definitely improved a lot over time. And then there are the smaller moments too—like certain holes where I’ve hit it into the trees more than once, and Krista doesn’t let me forget it. She’s great at encouraging me when I do well, but also keeping me honest when I don’t.
Courtesy of Lexxi O'Brien
What excites you most about the upcoming USA Games?
Lexxi: So much. I’ve been to the USA Games before as staff, but this time competing is really exciting. Of course, we’re excited for the competition, but it’s also the team experience—opening ceremonies, being with Team Minnesota, meeting people from all over the country. It’s a huge event, and there’s a lot of energy around it.
How has competing together shaped your friendship?
Krista: Yes—we’re friends because we compete together.
Lexxi: I would say the same. Sports create really natural friendships. You have to build trust, communication, and respect to be a good teammate—and those are the same foundations for a strong friendship. Over time, we’ve spent a lot of time together, both during and outside of golf season, and that’s really shaped our relationship.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about getting involved?
Lexxi: Try it. Be a Unified partner, coach, volunteer, or even just come watch. Once people experience Special Olympics, it’s really hard to walk away from it—in a good way. It’s about connection, competition, friendship, and joy. That’s what keeps people coming back.
