“No. They are just tired,” he responds, alternating his gaze between each bicep. He says he uses them to pump his arms while sprinting, but now, they need some pumping up of their own.
“Come on, arms. Come on, arms,” he says to each. “We can’t give up. We have to do this. We can do it together.”
For Langendoerfer, being an impromptu motivational speaker and an athlete in Special Olympics New York are just two of the many hats he wears. He also works at Ithaca College’s Dining Services during the school year.
Like a lot of young men, he loves video games and is making plans to get his driver’s license. He and his buddy from the Special Olympics have even talked about getting a place together. He thinks he will make a great roommate.
And he’s already a great teammate. Even when he’s hot, tired, and out of breath, he presses himself against the fence that lines the track, cheering on each teammate by name.
“Come on, Kenzie!” he yells repeatedly, even after she’s long past him and beyond earshot. His shouts give way to a broad smile, seemingly proud of his encouragement.
His enthusiasm is infectious, but even he has his down moments.
After racing to the second event of the day, he ends up sitting and waiting. He needs the time for his arms to recuperate for his favorite event, the softball throw, but the time stretches on for what feels like “forever.”
