Oak Forest resident Lizzie Jorgensen made winning two Silver Medals in bowling at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota look easy.
But Jorgensen, 25, worked for years to get to this point, including long hours spent with physical and occupational therapists throughout her youth to address issues with her muscle tone and balance.
“She needed to be able to walk up to the line, balance herself for a few minutes and throw the ball,” explained her mom, Donna Jorgensen, who is a nurse at Northwestern Home Health Care. “Through practice and listening to her coach, she got to the point where she could walk up to the line and has a very good style.”
All that work, as well as years of honing her bowling skills culminated in a big year for Jorgensen, who was a flag bearer at Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in June at Illinois State University in Normal, then went on to medal twice at the USA Games.
“It was definitely worth it,” Lizzie said. “It was awesome.”
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Donna Jorgensen said her daughter has been bowling since age 9.
“It actually became a very important form of therapy for her,” she said.
It’s been therapeutic for the parents, too. At the USA Games, their daughter won a Silver Medal in the female singles competition on June 23, her mom’s birthday.
“That was the best birthday present I ever got,” Donna said. “And the way she reacted and congratulated the (Gold Medal) winner … the sportsmanship just made me so proud.”
Lizzie is a multisport athlete, having taken up bocce ball several years ago and competing at the state level last year. She also was on the Tinley Park High School bowling team and competed at the state tournament in 2022.
She bowls several times weekly at various bowling alleys, often with friends Leslie and Mary. She used to go to Oak Forest Bowl, before it closed following a fire. That’s where a coach, Marty Whitten, helped her during a kids league on Saturday mornings, Donna said.
“He was the one who was instrumental in her being able to balance, to walk up to the line,” Donna said. “She trusted him enough to let him coach her.”
Lizzie also has gotten a boost from the Tinley Park-based South Suburban Special Recreation Association, where she’s had a chance to encourage her peers.
“She’s so positive, so encouraging of others and she doesn’t get down on herself very easily,’ said Laura Pubins, SSSRA operations manager, who has worked with Lizzie over her six years in the program. “When everybody bowls, if someone feels like they don’t do very well, she’s encouraging them, no matter if they did a strike, spare, she’s always saying, ‘Good job,’ and giving a high five.”
Pubins said she was also a hard worker, always trying to improve.
“She’s always looking to be the best version of herself,” said Pubins.
Lizzie’s friends at SSSRA threw her a bowling party before she went to the USA Games, and Pubins was invited.
“It was pretty cool to see the camaraderie, support from her friends, who didn’t get selected,” she said.
In Minnesota, Lizzie and her family had an opportunity to get to know other Special Olympics families and athletes.
“It was fun meeting the other people …and the other people and states being represented,” said Keith Jorgensen, Lizzie’s dad, who worked as a crossing guard for years.
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They found they had a lot in common with other families there.
“It becomes like a camaraderie or support group, just because there is a common cause and wanting to see the athletes doing well,” Donna said. “Everyone has overcome challenges.”
Outside of her athletic endeavors, Lizzie works part-time as a stocker at Walgreens and works in the nursery at Marley Community Church in Mokena, where she also is part of the youth group.
“I like helping out with the kids at church,” she said.
The extra money helps pay for her bowling activities.
She’s proud of her medals, which she keeps in her room, showing them off to a visitor, friends and her church.
She plans to keep competing, and hopefully earn more medals.
“She might need a trophy room (in the future),” said her dad.
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.