Posted on: Friday, March 18, 2005
Two Hawai'i students shine in speed skating
Advertiser Staff
Two Hawai'i high school students won medals in speed skating during the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.
Nalani Galariada photo Shannon Nakamoto, 16, a Roosevelt sophomore, won a gold, silver and bronze.
Galariada competed in races covering 111, 222 and 333 meters, winning the latter two.
"I feel happy. I'm really proud," said Galariada, who flashed a "shaka" sign while on the medal stand.
"We've always been proud of Howard. And seeing him compete in the World Games and seeing him do his best was inspiring for us as parents," said Nalani, his mother, who attended with her husband.
"We're blessed to have Howard in our lives."
Nakamoto raced in the 333 (2nd), 500 (1st) and 777 (third).
"I feel good," she said.
"When Shannon smiles you know it means something. She was smiling a great deal," said Nathan, her father. "She was very happy ... I was more pumped up than anyone in the whole family."
Both Shannon's sisters, her mother and grandmother also made the trip to Japan.
The two were randomly selected from all gold medal winners from around the state.
Howard Galariada, 18, a Wai'anae High School senior, won two golds and a silver during the event that ended March 5.
Howard Galariada, left, and Shannon Nakamoto celebrate their achievements during the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
