Special Olympics Monaco Achieves Medal Success at World Winter Games
After an eight-year absence due to the pandemic and geopolitical issues, Special Olympics Monaco returns to the World Winter Games, securing multiple medals in Turin.
The Special Olympics Monaco team made a triumphant return to the World Winter Games in Turin, marking their first participation in eight years.
The event, which supports athletes with intellectual disabilities, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The 12th edition of the games took place over a week in early April 2023, featuring athletes from multiple disciplines.
A delegation of eleven athletes represented Monaco across three of the eight disciplines on offer.
The participants marched in the opening ceremony, proudly parading behind the white and red flag of Monaco.
Eric Waterson, the sports director for Special Olympics Monaco, expressed pride in the experience, noting the awe experienced by some newer athletes as they participated in the ceremony.
In terms of competition, six athletes competed in alpine skiing, four in snowshoe racing, and one in cross-country skiing.
Notably, the alpine skiing discipline was not the top performer in terms of medal acquisition, a surprise to Waterson, who oversees alpine skiing.
Despite their efforts, some athletes faced challenges due to technical errors and distraction.
Dylan Le Joliff secured a silver medal in the giant slalom, with fellow competitors Miya Franzi and Rodolphe Rodney winning bronze medals in the same event.
In cross-country skiing, Stéphane Kelkal, aged 55, achieved significant success as the sole representative from Monaco.
Competing in the second division, Kelkal won two unexpected silver medals: one for the 10 kilometers and another for the 7.5 kilometers.
Marco Muratori, director of Special Olympics Monaco, noted the high level of competition, which made these achievements particularly remarkable.
The athletes also performed well in snowshoe racing.
Notably, Albane Lepoivre, a 19-year-old competitor, demonstrated resilience by finishing her race after falling.
Rabab Bechti secured third place in the same event.
In the boys' category, Diego Bollati finished second, and Robin Leteuil placed third in the 200 meters, while Bechti won a silver medal in the 100 meters, with Leteuil and Bollati achieving gold and bronze, respectively.
The relay race, particularly the 4x100 meter snowshoe event, capped off the games with a notable finish.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the athletes' performance culminated in an exciting conclusion as they emerged victorious from the fog.
Waterson characterized this relay as an iconic moment of the games, highlighting the determination displayed by the athletes during this last event.
Training conditions varied significantly for the competitors, with some practicing on the beach in unconventional conditions, further illustrating their commitment to the sport.
The next Winter Games will be held in Switzerland in four years.
The event, which supports athletes with intellectual disabilities, was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The 12th edition of the games took place over a week in early April 2023, featuring athletes from multiple disciplines.
A delegation of eleven athletes represented Monaco across three of the eight disciplines on offer.
The participants marched in the opening ceremony, proudly parading behind the white and red flag of Monaco.
Eric Waterson, the sports director for Special Olympics Monaco, expressed pride in the experience, noting the awe experienced by some newer athletes as they participated in the ceremony.
In terms of competition, six athletes competed in alpine skiing, four in snowshoe racing, and one in cross-country skiing.
Notably, the alpine skiing discipline was not the top performer in terms of medal acquisition, a surprise to Waterson, who oversees alpine skiing.
Despite their efforts, some athletes faced challenges due to technical errors and distraction.
Dylan Le Joliff secured a silver medal in the giant slalom, with fellow competitors Miya Franzi and Rodolphe Rodney winning bronze medals in the same event.
In cross-country skiing, Stéphane Kelkal, aged 55, achieved significant success as the sole representative from Monaco.
Competing in the second division, Kelkal won two unexpected silver medals: one for the 10 kilometers and another for the 7.5 kilometers.
Marco Muratori, director of Special Olympics Monaco, noted the high level of competition, which made these achievements particularly remarkable.
The athletes also performed well in snowshoe racing.
Notably, Albane Lepoivre, a 19-year-old competitor, demonstrated resilience by finishing her race after falling.
Rabab Bechti secured third place in the same event.
In the boys' category, Diego Bollati finished second, and Robin Leteuil placed third in the 200 meters, while Bechti won a silver medal in the 100 meters, with Leteuil and Bollati achieving gold and bronze, respectively.
The relay race, particularly the 4x100 meter snowshoe event, capped off the games with a notable finish.
Despite challenging weather conditions, the athletes' performance culminated in an exciting conclusion as they emerged victorious from the fog.
Waterson characterized this relay as an iconic moment of the games, highlighting the determination displayed by the athletes during this last event.
Training conditions varied significantly for the competitors, with some practicing on the beach in unconventional conditions, further illustrating their commitment to the sport.
The next Winter Games will be held in Switzerland in four years.
