BARTLESVILLE SPLASH CLUB’S BRECKYNN SHANKLIN SHINES AT ENDEAVOR GAMES
Bartlesville Splash Club member Breckynn Shanklin poses with her medals from the Endeavor Games held last month in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Courtesy photo
By Stephanie J. Lief
July 19, 2026
BARTLESVILLE AREA SPORTS REPORT
Bartlesville Splash Club member Breckynn Shanklin came home with some bling—and plenty of inspiration—from her participation in the Endeavor Games last month.
Shanklin took first place in five events, including the 100-yard individual medley (1:47.65), 100-yard backstroke (1:47.98), 100-yard freestyle (1:32.59), 50-yard backstroke (48.67), and 400-yard freestyle (6:53.94). She also took second place in the 50-yard freestyle (42.16).
The games took place June 11-14 in Edmond, Oklahoma, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The Endeavor Games exist to create equitable access to sports competitions for individuals with physical disabilities. The games started in 2000 with a goal to simply provide athletes with physical disabilities an opportunity to display their talents in a competitive manner with peers. According to the event website, the UCO Endeavor Games were awarded the Rings of Gold award from the U.S. Olympic Committee in 2014, and the organization has continued to evolve and spread its mission.
Shanklin started her competitive swimming journey in 2023 at 8 years old with the Bartlesville Splash Club. Three years later, she continues to learn and improve her swimming, becoming a reliable and solid competitor on the Bartlesville Splash Club team. Shanklin has two sisters who compete with the club as well.
“It was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to go back next year!” Breckynn said.
Shanklin's mother, Leslie, reflected on the experience.
“We really didn’t know what to expect going into the Endeavor Games, but it was such an amazing experience," she said. "The atmosphere was incredible, and it was inspiring to see athletes of all abilities encouraging and supporting one another while competing at such a high level. Seeing athletes overcome challenges and accomplish amazing things was motivating for all of us. Breckynn had so much fun that she’s already talking about going back next year for swimming, as well as in track and field.”
More information about the Endeavor Games is available at www.endeavorgames.org.
Bartlesville Splash Club member Breckynn Shanklin won five events in last month’s Endeavor Games in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Courtesy photo