Mikey Brannigan makes hometown proud with his hard work and sportsmanship in Paralympic games
Celebrated as a local hero, Mikey Brannigan made friends and family in Northport and East Northport proud when he competed in the 2021 Olympic/Paralympic Games in Tokyo this week. Mikey, who has autism, is classified as a T20, intellectually impaired athlete. He won a gold medal in the 2016 Rio games in the 1,500 meter race and tried for his second gold this past Friday, ending up in fourth place. Despite just missing a medal, Mikey’s sportsmanship and grace shined through at the finish line, as he immediately went to congratulate Britain’s Owen Miller, who won gold.
Mikey, a Northport High School graduate, has been preparing for the Tokyo games for five years, following his win in Rio. When they were delayed by a year due to Covid-19, he kept training and moved to Buffalo with his coach in March 2020. It was his first time away from home, but Mikey kept his head in the game and qualified for Tokyo in June, even though he rolled his ankle just two days before running.
In July, Mikey’s mom, Edie Brannigan, organized a GoFundMe campaign that would allow for Mikey’s coach to travel with him to Tokyo, and provide supervision and support during the games. Over $18,000 was raised, allowing for Sonja Robinson, Mikey’s coach, to accompany him. Edie wrote, “It is unfortunate, but not uncommon for an inadequate level of support for people with Autism and other intellectual disabilities. Our goal is to keep Mikey safe and focused in Tokyo. Sonja Robinson is the single most important person to care for Mikey and support his success.”
Mikey spent time at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and then flew out to Tokyo for the big race. In a video posted on his Facebook page, Mikey said, “I want to thank Northport for supporting me while I was a little kid, until now. I love you all and thanks for helping me.”
Many Northport and East Northporters live-streamed MIkey’s race on Friday, cheering him on from home, and sending messages of love and gratitude afterwards. He is an inspiration to kids and adults alike, admired for the “humble hunger” that pushes him to do his very best.
