TOPEKA (WIBW) - Topeka’s Marquel Russell came home as one of the biggest stars of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Russell captured gold medals in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and long jump, while setting world records in the 100 meters and long jump. It wasn’t until afterward that Russell realized just how special his performance had been.
“I didn’t really know I was breaking records, I was just happy to be there,” Russell told 13 SPORTS. “I love a good competition too, as well, so that’s what also makes it fun.”
While the medals and records made headlines, Russell said representing Topeka alongside his family and teammates meant the most.
“I keep my word. Told them I wasn’t going to let them down, and I didn’t,” Russell said. “I had like my whole family down there with me and my team there with me.”
A former Washburn Rural state champion hurdler, Russell has competed in nearly every sport through Special Olympics. He hopes others will give it a chance, too.
“Go out and try it, you never know, maybe you’ll be good at it someday,” he said.
Russell’s next goal is even bigger. “The next big goal that I have is World Games in Chile.”
He expects to learn soon whether he’ll be selected to represent Team USA at the Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile, giving the Topeka standout another opportunity to compete on the world stage.