By Patrick MacCoonRecord Sports EditorJames Johnson not only experienced the trip of a lifetime, but also returned home with a silver medal from the Special Olympics World Games.The Wright City native helped Team Missouri in softball claim a spot on the podium in Los Angeles as he provided one of the most consistent bats in Susan Shaffer’s lineup.The Special Olympics World Games lasted from July 25 to Aug. 2. To qualify, athletes had to medal in a state or regional competition prior and committed six weeks of training to their sport.“Winning a silver medal was the greatest moment ever,” the 28-year-old Johnson said. “I was inspired to get to go because not a lot of people get to. This was my first time going to the World Games and I enjoyed it.”Johnson, who has been involved with Special Olympics for 14 years, played right field and also provided a strong left-handed bat in the lineup.After training since July 2014 for the Special Olympics Summer World Games, which are held every four years, Johnson was able to accomplish many of the goals he set out to do. He nearly hit a home run in a win over Team Canada and had a two-hit performance against Team Mexico.“I wanted to represent my town and my team well,” he said. “My goals were to concentrate, get some hits and get on base. I got some base hits to go along with a couple doubles and a triple. I’m glad I helped out my team.”Not only were Johnson and his teammates playing in front of nationally televised audiences, but thousands of fans in attendance as well. Team Missouri played all four games at UCLA’s Easton Stadium, which was filled with exuberant onlookers and many autograph seekers.“It was amazing to see all the people that showed up to our games,” he said. “They were really great and had some good cheers. I felt like they helped us win some games because we were motivated to do well for them as well.”The sights and sounds of the trip were also amazing off of the diamond.Team Missouri was able to meet several other athletes from different sports throughout its two weeks spent in Los Angeles. Visiting the college campuses of UCLA and Southern California was also a neat sight along with a trip to Dodgers Stadium.“My favorite things about the trip had to be playing softball, making new friends and going to different places,” he said. “Dodgers Stadium was amazing. We met new teams and new people that were playing against us.”Johnson and his teammates also received a big surprise.While they warmed up for a contest against Mexico on July 27, they were joined by Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. After offering words of encouragement and meeting the players, Turner gave the entire team free tickets and on-field passes to watch batting practice before the Dodgers contest against the Athletics the following night.Turner, who leads Los Angeles with a .323 batting average this season, was one of many Major League Baseball players that Johnson enjoyed meeting.“We also got to meet Mark McGwire, Yasiel Puig, Don Mattingly, Andre Ethier, Billy Butler and Joc Pederson at the Dodgers game,” he said. “We were really happy when Turner showed up to our game. Me and one of my teammates introduced ourselves to him really quickly. He told us to get out on the field and play hard and use our hearts. His words really motivated us.”Motivation from the coaches on the team also helped Team Missouri succeed on the diamond and bring home the silver medal. Team Arizona took home the gold in the Division II bracket with a 22-5 win over Shaffer’s squad.“The coaches were really great,” he said. “They were on us every day since we’ve started practicing for these games. They helped us achieve big things.”On Aug. 3, Johnson and his teammates returned home to where they were greeted with overflowing support.“It was great to see once we got off the plane and into the airport,” he said. “They had a lot of signs and they all welcomed us home. They were proud of the way we represented our state and our country.”While Johnson hopes to also compete again in the 2019 Special Olympic Summer World Games, he is also excited to continue playing in tournaments back home with four of his teammates that were also in Los Angeles on his team.In his first weekend back home, Johnson enjoyed playing in a tournament in St. Louis along with other silver medalists Nicholas Short, Tyler Scott, Ronald Tetreault and Joshua Spalding.“I was really happy we all were selected to go represent Missouri,” he said. “I would love to go out again and compete for our country. It was the blast of a lifetime.”

James Johnson receives high fives from his Team Missouri teammates during a Special Olympics World Games softball contest in Los Angeles. The Wright City native played right field and provided his team with several hits in its run to a silver medal.

Special Olympics Missouri.