Today at the World Summer Games – June 20
Dockins Grabs Gold in the All-Around
Russellville Special Olympics rhythmic gymnast Lee Dockins once again added to her considerable legacy when she claimed the All-Around Gold Medal in her division of the rhythmic gymnastics competition today at the World Summer Games in Berlin. Dockins scored an incredible 58.200 to win her division by nearly 12 full points over Costa Rica’s Aylin Marlin. Lizette Niura Zurita of Bolivia took the Bronze. Dockins posted scores of 15.45 in the Ball, 14.0 in the Hoop, 14.25 in the Ribbon and finished with a 14.5 in the Clubs. You can watch today’s competition on-demand on espn.com.
The medal is the 18th World Games medal in what has been an amazing run for Dockins, but it is her first ever rhythmic gymnastics Gold. At the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi, Dockins competed in rhythmic gymnastics for the first time at the World Games level, winning three Silver Medals and two Bronze, including Bronze in the All-Around. Dockins competed in Artistic Gymnastics (balance beam, vault, etc.) at the 2007 World Games in Shanghai, 2011 World Games in Athens and the 2015 World Games in Los Angeles, winning 12 medals including Gold in the All-Around in 2011 and 2015.
The Nick-Faldo designed Bad Saarow golf course in Berlin continued to be a challenge for golfers at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The Lexington Unified pair of athlete Wake Mullins and Dennis Gaines followed their opening round 87 with an 86 today in Berlin. Starting on the 10th hole for the second consecutive day, the pair once again got off to a good start, shooting 40 on their first (back) nine. On the front, a couple of Bad Saarow’s notorious 133 bunkers slowed them down on their way to the 86.
Official divisions (flights) for the final two rounds have not yet been announced, but it is expected that Mullins and Gaines will go into tomorrow’s round in third place in the top division of the 18-hole Unified alternate shot competition with a two-day total of 183. That puts them four shots behind Denmark’s Federik Bech and partner Thomas Andresen, who shot 83 today paired with Mullins and Gaines, and nine back of Special Olympics USA teammates Pryce Holcombe and partner Les Holcombe of Alabama.
Tomorrow at the World Summer Games
Dockins will close out her competition at these Games tomorrow in the individual event finals, where she has the opportunity to win up to four more medals. Early risers will once again be able to watch the events live via ESPN livestream on the ESPN App and at espn.com/watch. Her events begin at 9 am Berlin time or 3 am ET/2 am CT. You will also be able to watch them on-demand.
Mullins and Gaines play their third round tomorrow. As of this writing their tee time has not been announced.