Huntsville Branch Supports Special Olympics Athlete to Gold
6/5/2025 - Stories & Insights
Trophies and medals inscribed with his name quickly let you know that Cody Wheatley is a serious competitor. His endearing smile reminds you that the 25-year-old is having the time of his life.
A Special Olympics athlete since 2018, Cody is the oldest son of SouthState Assistant Branch Manager Lucy Wheatley.
Cody began competing in track and bowling in Florida, where bowling became his favorite sport. The family’s move to Huntsville, Alabama opened up more avenues for him to excel. Today, he participates in horseback riding, bowling, track and field, and ice skating.
It’s ice skating that brought the Wheatley family together in Italy for the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin. Though Cody is new to skating, his coach quickly realized he has what it takes to compete at the national and world levels.
“Cody’s coach saw something in him right from the start. She couldn’t believe how well he skated since he had never done it before,” Lucy explains.
With a spectacular routine, Cody won a gold medal in singles figure skating. He competed alongside two other Special Olympics athletes from Alabama, each of whom brought home a medal.
For the Wheatley family, cheering Cody on in person on the largest stage was a dream come true. “It was such an amazing experience! Never in our lives did we think that Cody would be participating in the Special Olympic World Games,” Lucy says.
Competing in Special Olympics is about much more than trophies and medals. Athletes and families can build a network of others facing – and overcoming – similar challenges.
The Wheatley family watched Cody’s confidence soar as he took on new sports. Traveling around the country to events has also bolstered his independence.
“To qualify for the Special Olympics, Cody had to travel to Salt Lake City with only his coach and teammates,” Lucy says. “This was a huge deal for a lot of these athletes since many had never been away from home. Cody did excellent!”
Cody was eager to try a new sport when moving to Huntsville. His parents guided his choice, encouraging him to give ice skating a whirl.
His coach first taught him a key element – falling safely – and Cody has flourished ever since.
“When he started skating, he was afraid to fall. He has fallen several times but now gets up and shakes it off and starts skating again,” Lucy says.
Cody’s family weren’t the only people cheering him on during the World Games. The celebration extended from Italy all the way home to Alabama.
Complete with decorations and festive food, bankers at Lucy’s branch threw a watch party to cheer Cody on and support his journey from afar. When the big moment arrived, everyone was glued to the TV to watch him go for gold.
“It was a special experience for all of us, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when he won,” says Group President Evans Quinlivan. “We knew how much time and effort Cody put into his routine and how much competing at the World Games meant to him.”
Lucy couldn’t be more grateful for how her team members have championed her son.
“Everyone knows about Cody’s disabilities and have always been supportive of him,” she adds.
The bankers have gotten to know Cody as he often drops by the branch after doctor’s appointments or to just say “Hi” to mom. After returning home from Turin, Cody couldn’t wait to make a special visit to the branch.
“He came to show off his medal to the whole branch and was so excited to talk with everyone,” Lucy says.
Cody plans to continue figure skating as well as other competitive sports. With support of family and local community, more gold medals may be in his future.
Read more about SouthState’s support of community organizations in the 2025 Corporate Stewardship report.
A Special Olympics athlete since 2018, Cody is the oldest son of SouthState Assistant Branch Manager Lucy Wheatley.
Cody began competing in track and bowling in Florida, where bowling became his favorite sport. The family’s move to Huntsville, Alabama opened up more avenues for him to excel. Today, he participates in horseback riding, bowling, track and field, and ice skating.
On the World Stage
It’s ice skating that brought the Wheatley family together in Italy for the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin. Though Cody is new to skating, his coach quickly realized he has what it takes to compete at the national and world levels.“Cody’s coach saw something in him right from the start. She couldn’t believe how well he skated since he had never done it before,” Lucy explains.
With a spectacular routine, Cody won a gold medal in singles figure skating. He competed alongside two other Special Olympics athletes from Alabama, each of whom brought home a medal.
For the Wheatley family, cheering Cody on in person on the largest stage was a dream come true. “It was such an amazing experience! Never in our lives did we think that Cody would be participating in the Special Olympic World Games,” Lucy says.
Confidence Growing
Competing in Special Olympics is about much more than trophies and medals. Athletes and families can build a network of others facing – and overcoming – similar challenges. The Wheatley family watched Cody’s confidence soar as he took on new sports. Traveling around the country to events has also bolstered his independence.
“To qualify for the Special Olympics, Cody had to travel to Salt Lake City with only his coach and teammates,” Lucy says. “This was a huge deal for a lot of these athletes since many had never been away from home. Cody did excellent!”
Cody was eager to try a new sport when moving to Huntsville. His parents guided his choice, encouraging him to give ice skating a whirl.
His coach first taught him a key element – falling safely – and Cody has flourished ever since.
“When he started skating, he was afraid to fall. He has fallen several times but now gets up and shakes it off and starts skating again,” Lucy says.
Support from SouthState
Cody’s family weren’t the only people cheering him on during the World Games. The celebration extended from Italy all the way home to Alabama. Complete with decorations and festive food, bankers at Lucy’s branch threw a watch party to cheer Cody on and support his journey from afar. When the big moment arrived, everyone was glued to the TV to watch him go for gold.
“It was a special experience for all of us, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room when he won,” says Group President Evans Quinlivan. “We knew how much time and effort Cody put into his routine and how much competing at the World Games meant to him.”
Lucy couldn’t be more grateful for how her team members have championed her son.
“Everyone knows about Cody’s disabilities and have always been supportive of him,” she adds.
The bankers have gotten to know Cody as he often drops by the branch after doctor’s appointments or to just say “Hi” to mom. After returning home from Turin, Cody couldn’t wait to make a special visit to the branch.
“He came to show off his medal to the whole branch and was so excited to talk with everyone,” Lucy says.
Cody plans to continue figure skating as well as other competitive sports. With support of family and local community, more gold medals may be in his future.
Read more about SouthState’s support of community organizations in the 2025 Corporate Stewardship report.
