This summer the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles will feature Eagle Scout Ben Stevick, as he gallops into the national spotlight by competing in equestrian events for Team USA. 

While he’ll be on a national stage as he jumps back in the saddle, this certainly isn’t Stevick’s first rodeo. He’s won gold, silver, and bronze medals through the Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD) in a slew of other sports: aquatics, powerlifting and skiing.

Although he hasn’t always been a fan of the large animal that could bring him to Special Olympic gold, Scouting and the games triggered Stevick’s love for riding and Special Olympics sports in general.

“I overcame my extreme fear of horses to begin horseback riding,” Stevick explains on his fundraising page. “I, then, overcame my fear of the equestrian barrel race to participate in the Special Olympics.”

Stevick joined his father and brother in Boy Scouts, where he delved into a variety of adventure sports at summer camp. Scouting even marked the trail for him to join the Special Olympics, as the family met a volunteer who was a torch runner for SOMD. Even today, this accomplished athlete regards earning his Eagle Scout rank among his top achievements.

Learn more about this Special Olympian on Team USA’s site, and prepare to root him on as the games kick off July 25.