- April 15, 2024
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Debbie Dorber and her daughter, Tiffany, are competing in tandem cycling for the first time this season. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Dorber
The Dorbers placed first in both the local and area races before heading to state. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Dorber
First place finishes for the Derbers is not bad at all for the rookie tandem. Photo Courtesy of Jeff Dorber
After being asked to participate in an exhibition triathlon at the 2016 Special Olympics State Paddleboarding Competition, which included a three-mile tandem bicycle ride, Tiffany Dorber's cycling coach Jeff Beebe suggested she compete with her mom, Debbie, as a unified team for the 2017 Special Olympics Cycling Season.
Tiffany and Debbie did just that, and, after first-place finishes in the 5k local and area games, the Dorbers were selected to participate in the 2017 Special Olympics Summer Games Friday, May 19, at the ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex
In their first season as a team they managed to finish in second place for silver medals.
"I told Tiffany I was sorry we didn't win the gold medals,’” Debbie Dorber said, “But Tiffany calmly said, ‘Its OK mom. It is, what it is.’”
Tiffany has grown somewhat accustomed to this kind of attitude after enduring the obstacles she’s had to overcome throughout her life.
As a typically-developed 2-year-old baby, Tiffany, 25, suffered a severe unknown virus that led to a series of life-threatening seizures, which required she be airlifted to a trauma center. The results left her clinically deaf, mute and unable
"It’s been unique to watch her grow. Tiffany also ran cross country in high school, and, even though she may have placed last, she always had the biggest smile and an encouraging word."
DEBBIE DORBER
to walk or crawl. Although her motor skills returned, she still has some intellectual and emotional disabilities, and some seizure activity has returned.
Nevertheless, Debbie — with a background in physical therapy — has helped Tiffany develop into an athlete.
“Tiffany has overcome a lot both physically and mentally Debbie said. “It’s been unique to watch her grow. Tiffany also ran cross country in high school, and, even though she may have placed last, she always had the biggest smile and an encouraging word. Several times students from other teams and even their parents would come up and thank her for being an inspiration to others.” That always made Tiffany and her parents happy.
Tiffany started participating in Special Olympics, taking up paddleboarding, surfing and most of all cycling, where she has participated in 5K and 10k events.
In the last four years, Tiffany has competed in local and area Special Olympics cycling as well as being chosen to compete in the Special Olympics State Games where she has won both Gold and Silver medals in Cycling and a Bronze medal at the state level for paddleboarding.
“She’s a huge encourager and cheerleader to the athletes,” Debbie said. “When they don’t think they can do something, she will say, ‘Yoo-hoo! You can do it. Come on; follow me.’ It’s a shame that we ‘typical people’ don’t act like more like the special population. She’s made so many friends with so many different types of people.”
Although her personality exudes friendship and happiness, there are times when Debbie has to try and keep Tiffany positive after negative encounters with strangers as well as some of her peers.
"When she’s had a rough day with society messing with her or when people don’t understand her reactions, those tend to hurt her feelings. Sometimes, the world can be cruel."
Tiffany’s employers, on the other hand, are very supportive of her.
Tiffany has worked for Chick-Fil-A the last five years and at Texas Roadhouse the last three years. For her three-year anniversary, Roadhouse gifted her with a silver watch instead of the usual service pin.
“They love her so much there,” Debbie added.
Debbie hopes Tiffany could one day compete as a Special Olympics athlete on the national and even international level.
