LANDER, Wyo. — A Lander teenager will carry Wyoming’s flag into a new national youth competition this month when she joins peers from around the country at President Donald Trump’s 2026 Patriot Games in Geneva, Ohio.
Local athlete among national contingent
Grace Washut, a sophomore who is homeschooled and attends Lander Valley High School part time, was selected as one of two athletes from Wyoming to take part in the inaugural Patriot Games. The event brings a boy and a girl from each state and territory together to compete in a series of athletic challenges tied to celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary.
The program’s organizers describe the Patriot Games as a test of “strength, endurance, agility, teamwork, and perseverance,” with events ranging from a Presidential Fitness Test and a military-inspired boot-camp circuit to obstacle courses and team competitions.
How Washut earned her spot
Selection for the Wyoming team required an application that included a video and an essay. Washut’s family said she learned of the selection shortly after returning from a backpacking trip.
“I’m so proud of her for putting herself out there,” Erin Washut said. “It’s amazing to see her go out and do her best; it’s just exciting to know what she’s capable of! She’s got grit!”
Erin Washut, Grace’s mother, told reporters her daughter was excited to be chosen and looked forward to meeting young athletes from across the nation and appearing on ESPN. The family — including Grace’s father, Kyle, and her four younger siblings — are cheering her on from Lander.
Team Wyoming and the stakes
Grace will join Luke Halverson, a sophomore at Sundance High School, as Wyoming’s male and female representatives. According to the Patriot Games information, the overall male and female winners of the competition will split a $250,000 prize.
The events listed by the organizers combine individual fitness challenges and team-oriented contests, including:
- Presidential Fitness Test
- Boot-camp circuit with military-style elements
- Obstacle course
- Team games such as Kickball, Dodgeball and Tug of War
- “Victory Hoops,” a basketball-style team challenge
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Patriot Games — Geneva, Ohio |
| Who represents WY | Grace Washut (Lander), Luke Halverson (Sundance) |
| Prize | $250,000 split between male and female winners |
Local context and family ties
The Washut family has several members active on national stages this summer. Readers may recognize the Washut name: Grace’s sister, Miriam Washut, was recently crowned the national champion of the inaugural Presidential 1776 Award competition. The siblings’ participation in national programs highlights a string of achievements for the Lander family this season.
Grace’s participation also reflects the mix of schooling choices common in Wyoming communities, where students may combine homeschool instruction with part-time attendance at local public schools.
What’s next
Grace and the other state representatives are expected to take part in multiple events over the weekend-long competition in Geneva. Organizers have promoted television coverage on ESPN, and family members have said they hope to see her performance broadcast to a national audience.
Locally, family and friends in Lander say they will watch and support her progress as she competes against athletes from across the country. The experience will give the Wyoming teen exposure to national-level competition and the opportunity to meet peers from other states as part of a multi-faceted athletic showcase.
Coverage note: This article is based on reporting and statements from family members and publicly available information from the Patriot Games organizers.
