Taking part in the Special Olympics World Winter Games as an autistic person
The Special Olympics movement was founded in 1968 in America and reached the UK ten years later. It is an organisation which aims to transform lives and promote inclusion through sport for people with a learning disability. The Special Olympics World Games is every four years, and like the Olympics and Para Olympics, rotates every two years between summer and winter sports. Qualification for The World Games as a GB athlete includes being part of a SOGB club and competing at regional and national competitions in your chosen sport.
The best feeling ever
Back in 2024, I was over the moon when I got the call to represent Great Britain (GB) at the Special Olympics in Turin! The excitement was real, and I dove into training - skiing in Hemel Hempstead and Aldershot, plus hitting the gym and Park Run to build strength and fitness. I couldn’t wait to wear our Team GB ski gear and be on the slopes in Sestriere, Italy.
Flying high
On 6 March 2025, I met the team in Gatwick – 21 athletes, coaches, and staff. I was excited to meet new teammates and see old friends like Stefan and Annabelle. After a fun flight, we landed in Turin, where we were welcomed by cheering crowds and interviewed by the media. It was an unforgettable experience.
Terrific Turin
We spent a couple of days in Turin for the opening ceremony and The Healthy Athletes programme. I got a fitness check and apparently, I needed to improve my balance with some tandem walking and toe tapping. I met BBC sports presenter Joe Wilson and did an interview about advocating for autistic girls with a learning disability.
Ski racing in Sestriere
The Special Olympics ski races start with divisioning, grouping athletes of similar speeds. For the Giant Slalom, we headed to the slopes early, proudly wearing our Team GB gear. After inspecting the course with my teammates, I felt hopeful for a bronze. But after a sketchy first run and missing a gate that led to disqualification, I was disappointed. However, I came back stronger the next day in the Super Giant Slalom, my favourite race. I skiied well, built speed, and won a gold medal! Walking onto the podium, I couldn’t believe it—this was the moment I’d dreamed of, celebrated with my teammates, family, and the media.
Next came the slalom, the most technical race. I wasn’t as confident in this race, but with some support from my teammate Annabelle, we both made it to the podium! I took home a gold and silver medal, I couldn’t be prouder, and the team’s support made it even more special.
The week flew by, and on the final Saturday, we attended the closing ceremony. Amid the snow, we watched the Olympic flame extinguish and the Special Olympics flag pass to Chile for the 2027 Summer Games.
Highlights (other than winning medals)
Beyond the medals, having my family there to cheer me on and being part of an incredible team was a highlight. I really enjoyed racing on the world stage. I loved it when I could go as fast as possible, focusing only on the gates and then, when I reached the finishing line, cheering. Another highlight was being interviewed, because this was something I wanted to do to raise more awareness of SOGB athletes. It was a sociable experience and I enjoyed getting to know everyone in the SOGB delegation.
Getting support throughout
I’m so grateful to all the staff members in our delegation for getting us ready to compete each day and supporting us in all aspects of the games. For example, providing visual timetables in our rooms, along with clothing and equipment check lists for each day.
I need support with overthinking decisions; I struggled with this, but I was able to speak it through, so I was prepared each evening or morning, and, along with the checklist, this helped. We were supported 24 hours, and this meant our family out there didn’t have to worry about us, they could just enjoy the games.
I found some aspects of the games more challenging than I thought I would, however with the support and dedication of the staff I was able to deal with them. I felt this experience has been a key moment in my life and has enabled me to develop even more as a person.
In Special Olympics there many autistic athletes with a learning disability. There is a wide range of support and learning needs which makes the games even more impactful in terms of inclusion and opportunity for all.
Achieving a dream
After competing in my first Nationals in 2020, I set a goal to represent GB at a World Winter Games. Winning GOLD in 2025 was the dream come true! Now, I’m proud to be part of the GB Athlete Leadership Training Programme, and as I progress through this, I will be able to spread awareness of Special Olympics and encourage more young people like me to give sport a go.
I feature in a BBC documentary that gives a really good oversight of the event and what Special Olympics is all about, it is called ‘The World in Turin’.
About the author
Alice is a 25-year-old from Surrey, she was diagnosed with a learning disability aged three and as autistic at eight years old. She joined the Ambitious Youth Network in 2020 and is currently Chair of the Youth Council. She’s passionate about raising awareness and understanding of autism, particularly for girls who are autistic with a moderate learning disability.
