Athletes
Athletes are the heart of Special Olympics. Our athletes are children and adults with intellectual disabilities from all around the world—5.6 million and counting! They are finding success, joy and friendship as part of our global community. They're also having lots of fun!
Shane’s Journey of Determination to World Winter Games
If you were to see Shane François Bentley today—gliding on the ice, defending on the soccer field, or diving into a swimming pool—you’d never guess the mountain of challenges he’s had to overcome.
3 Min Read
Leaving Low Expectations Behind: Meet Shirnel
Shirnel Swarts is a bright light wherever she shines—and she’s been shining a lot lately. A talented athlete, Shirnel is excited to be training for her second Special Olympics World Winter Games!
1 Min Read
Sports Excellence as Tradition: Gonzalo Gets Ready for Turin
Gonzalo Escobar Wernli grew up with a love for winter sports—and a talent for them, too. And why wouldn’t he? He enjoyed early instruction from his grandfather, Claudio Wernli, who was a competitive skier in the 1964 Winter Olympics in Austria, among other events.
1 Min Read
Floorball Ingenuity: How Namibia Improvised On and Off the Court
Through creativity, partnership, and improvised equipment, Namibia’s floorball team has found a curious path to not only play the sport, but to excel and reach the world stage in Turin for the 2025 World Winter Games.
2 Min Read
What Makes a Leader? A Senegalese Athlete’s Discovery
Gerard Diedhiou of Special Olympics Senegal learned step by step over more than a decade what it takes to not only find his own voice, but to empower others in his community. From harsh beginnings, Gerard has learned how to connect with others, growing into a role model on and off the field.
3 Min Read
Javier Trejo: Speed, Passion, and the Road to Turin 2025
Spanish alpine skier preparing to take to the slopes for a sixth World Winter Games
3 Min Read
Sebastiaan Van Luijn: From Childhood Bullying to Competing at Turin 2025
Sebastiaan’s journey shows the power of perseverance and community support.
3 Min Read
Skiing "Is My Favorite Exercise!"—Alexandrea Trains for World Winter Games
Alexandrea Rutledge has been working out "a lot" ahead of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. She's been a Special Olympics athlete for more than 12 years, and this will be her first international competition.
1 Min Read
Be a Fan of Floorball Athlete Fan Xinwei
Fan Xinwei is a teenage athlete who's already an experienced Special Olympics floorball player. In fact, he's been playing floorball since 2016.
1 Min Read
Olympic Torch Bearer and Special Olympics athlete Fanélie Croizat Champions Teamwork Ahead of Turin 2025
Special Olympics France cross-country skier values joy, friendship and personal growth over podium finishes.
3 Min Read
Xu Xiujuan: The Extraordinary Story Behind a Radiant Smile
Xu Xiujuan has an extraordinary story to share. Those who meet her are often captivated by her bright eyes and cheerful demeanor, even though her life has been filled with challenges and marked by perseverance.
2 Min Read
TV Star, Photographer, Dancer and Athlete: The Many Talents of Anca Miron
Star of a reality show and featured in ELLE Romania magazine, the Special Olympics athlete now takes on Turin 2025
3 Min Read