For Mari Holt, competing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games is a long-awaited dream come true. And she’s not alone—nearly 20 family members traveled from Norway to Turin to support her. Her parents, sister, uncles, aunts—everyone was there, waving custom made “Team Mari” flags and cheering her on!
“We are a big family, and a lot of them wanted to join us. She has worked very hard for this moment. I am just so proud.”
Mari was born on July 28, 1997, with a hematoma in her brain and had to undergo surgery at a young age. As a result, she lost function in her right side. But about 10 to 15 years ago, she started training intensively to regain movement— through rehabilitation, determination, and sheer willpower, she trained her arm to move again. And once she could move, she wanted to do more—she wanted to compete.
She discovered Cross-Country Skiing at school in Norway, where outdoor survival skills and skiing were part of the curriculum. She learned how to live in the wild, sleep outside in the cold, and ski through the hills—an experience she loved. From there, her passion for the sport only grew. She has been training for five years with Special Olympics and the Norwegian Ski Federation and previously competed at the Special Olympics National Norwegian Games.
“She has been waiting a long time for this,” says her father, Harald Holt. “Just training, training, hoping to come here. And now she’s so happy to finally be here.”
Mari competed multiple times during the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, racing every day since the start of the competition. And in the 2.5K Cross-Country Skiing—Classical Technique, she made history for herself—crossing the finish line first and winning gold.
"What I have learned from sport and Special Olympics is to continue all the way to reach my goals."
Despite the nerves that come with a first-time World Games appearance, Mari’s family was confident she enjoyed the experience. “We push her up a little bit,” her sister, Signe Holt, says with a smile. “But she’s happy. She’s worked hard for this, and she deserves it.”
As Mari stands on the podium, gold medal around her neck, her family cheers louder than ever, the Team Mari flags are everywhere and their pride shining as bright as her achievement. Aside from the results, this was a victory that was years in the making—one powered by her determination and the unwavering support of the family that has been by her side every step of the way.
