Aedan Tenbrunsel

Higganum, CT

Aedan Tenbrunsel is a swimmer who is a member of Team Connecticut for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Aedan is 16 years old and lives in Higganum, where he attends Haddam-Killingworth High School. He has been involved in Special Olympics for eight years and participates in swimming and basketball.

“Special Olympics has changed my life because it has helped me to become a better swimmer,” says Aedan. Aedan also says that he’s met a lot of nice people through Special Olympics and he enjoys going to practice and competing. 

His biggest obstacle was his spinal surgery, but he overcame it by going to physical therapy and working even when things were tough. He is most proud of getting good grades in school and achieved high honors last year! 

In addition to sports, Aedan enjoys spending time with his family and friends, going on vacation, playing with his puppies, fishing, and playing video games. He is known as being very friendly and he likes to talk a lot. 

“Attending the USA Games is a huge honor. I am very excited and lucky,” says Aedan. To prepare, Aedan swims three times a week with his dad and plans on being on his high school swim team during the winter.