Strength Beyond the Platform: Briana Tate
Special Olympics Arkansas athlete Briana Tate was selected to compete in powerlifting at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota. While preparing her body to compete on a national stage required countless hours of training, Briana faced another challenge that extended beyond physical preparation.
Briana, who is deaf, needed to learn the signs to clearly understand the platform commands that would be given by judges during competition. In powerlifting, athletes must respond to specific commands throughout each lift, making communication and timing an important part of a successful performance. For Briana, learning these commands meant adding another layer of preparation for her training.
With the support of her coaches, Briana worked to learn the signs for the platform commands she would encounter at USA Games. While her physical training built the strength and endurance needed to compete, her mental preparation helped her overcome a communication barrier and ensured she could fully participate alongside her fellow athletes.
By the time Briana stepped onto the platform in Minnesota, she had prepared not only to lift, but to communicate, understand, and compete with confidence.
In addition to her competition, Briana participated in a Healthy Hearing screening through Healthy Athletes, a Special Olympics program that provides free health screenings, education and resources to athletes. What began as a routine opportunity to learn more about her hearing turned into a life-changing moment when Briana was fitted with a new pair of advanced hearing aids.
Through a partnership with Starkey, Briana received two hearing aids designed to support individuals with profound hearing loss and were provided to her at no cost. The devices will assist Briana in her daily activities.
Briana says, “It’s [music] just so wonderful! There isn’t any feedback to these hearing aids. I hear the beat, it’s [hearing aids] connected to my phone, and I can dance. I can show off my personality, and maybe that will inspire other people!”
Briana’s experience is a powerful example of how those opportunities can extend beyond the playing field. Through Healthy Athletes, she gained access to technology that will help her navigate everyday life with greater ease while continuing to pursue her passions.
Briana, who is deaf, needed to learn the signs to clearly understand the platform commands that would be given by judges during competition. In powerlifting, athletes must respond to specific commands throughout each lift, making communication and timing an important part of a successful performance. For Briana, learning these commands meant adding another layer of preparation for her training.
With the support of her coaches, Briana worked to learn the signs for the platform commands she would encounter at USA Games. While her physical training built the strength and endurance needed to compete, her mental preparation helped her overcome a communication barrier and ensured she could fully participate alongside her fellow athletes.
By the time Briana stepped onto the platform in Minnesota, she had prepared not only to lift, but to communicate, understand, and compete with confidence.
In addition to her competition, Briana participated in a Healthy Hearing screening through Healthy Athletes, a Special Olympics program that provides free health screenings, education and resources to athletes. What began as a routine opportunity to learn more about her hearing turned into a life-changing moment when Briana was fitted with a new pair of advanced hearing aids.
Through a partnership with Starkey, Briana received two hearing aids designed to support individuals with profound hearing loss and were provided to her at no cost. The devices will assist Briana in her daily activities.
Briana says, “It’s [music] just so wonderful! There isn’t any feedback to these hearing aids. I hear the beat, it’s [hearing aids] connected to my phone, and I can dance. I can show off my personality, and maybe that will inspire other people!”
Briana’s experience is a powerful example of how those opportunities can extend beyond the playing field. Through Healthy Athletes, she gained access to technology that will help her navigate everyday life with greater ease while continuing to pursue her passions.
Video courtesy of ESPN
Published September 2026
