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Edition:
September 02, 2010
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NEWS
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Frazee resident overcomes odds to achieve goals
Amanda Wothe meets Billy Ray Cyrus, featured in Time magazine ad
 | | Frazee resident Amanda Wothe met her favorite singer/actor Billy Ray Cyrus during WE Fest. Submitted photo |  |  | | Amanda Wothe (left) hugs her mom, Tammy, who is one of her main Special Olympic coaches. Her father, Jay, owns Wothe Bait, Frazee. Photo by Barbie Porter |
• by Barbie Porter
For Frazee resident Amanda Wothe, meeting Billy Ray Cyrus at WE Fest was almost as sweet as earning 39 medals in the Special Olympics and being featured in a Carlson Toyota ad in Time magazine.
Amanda has been a long time fan of Billy Ray, dating back to his "Achy Breaky Heart," mullet haircut days.
When Amanda heard he was performing at WE Fest, she utilized an inside source to get tickets - her mom, Tammy, who works in the music festival's corporate office.
"I was able to get an extra ticket, but most of the stars don't meet the fans anymore," Tammy explained. "So we weren't expecting that."
However, when word reached Billy Ray that an accomplished young woman would like meet him, he gladly obliged.
After pleasantries were exchanged, Billy Ray noticed Amanda was wearing a T-shirt from his TV sitcom, Hannah Montana, which stars his daughter Miley.
"He teased her about it," Tammy recalled. "Then he gave her a hug, autographed a program and the two talked. He's very personable and interacts well with his fans."
Amanda admitted she felt tongue tied at times when speaking to Billy Ray, but it unraveled when she saw him perform.
"She was screaming the whole time," her mom declared. "It was a really great day for everyone."
Time magazine, photo shoots
and the Special Olympics
In six years of competing in the Special Olympics, Amanda, who has Down syndrome, racked up 39 gold and silver medals, including five in national competition.
Amanda is also a scholar who graduated with honors.
Her accolades grabbed the attention of Carlson Toyota, Coon Rapids, which asked her to be in an ad published in the Aug. 25 edition of Time magazine.
"They called four days before graduation," Tammy explained. "They said of all the athletes (in Special Olympics) she was the one they wanted for the ad."
After rearranging a graduation party with classmates, Amanda and her mother zipped down to the Twin Cities for the ad's photo shoot.
"They gave her outfits for the shoot, brought her to the beach and really treated her like a celebrity," Tammy recalled. "They even gave her a radio controlled car and promised to give her a real one when she got her license."
While the gifts and recognition were appreciated, Amanda learned the true weight of her winnings.
"I had to stand there holding my medals," Amanda explained. "It felt like my arms were breaking."
It's not the first time Amanda performed under physical strain.
While competing at the Special Olympics in a hoop routine, Amanda sprained an ankle.
"When that happened, I went from being a coach back to being mom," Tammy said. "I rushed to her side and she calmly asked me to step aside and let the medics do their job so she could get back to the competition."
Trading in sneakers to
be a public speaker
Like most athletes, Amanda carries her work ethic and dedication into areas outside of the physical realm.
She's spoken on behalf of Special Olympics on numerous occasions, including at national competitions, award ceremonies and the Mall of America.
Pretty amazing, considering doctors told her she wouldn't be able to talk.
Tammy recalled the day in Amanda's childhood when her doctors suggested she learn sign language as a form of communication.
"She had fluid building up in her ears and that was impeding her speech abilities," Tammy explained. "We had that drained and she hasn't stopped talking since."
However, Amanda did learn sign language, but as a second language, or as she called it, "a hobby."
Amanda also plans to enter the workforce this September, another feat she was told she wouldn't achieve.
"She'll be doing a variety of things like sorting fishing tackle or placing inserts in the newspaper," Tammy explained.
With every step and every word, Amanda showcases what can be achieved if one has the desire and will to overcome perception and obstacles.
"Since Amanda was born people have always tried to hold her back," Tammy stated. "But she keeps rewriting the rules. We're all very proud of her."
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