Special Olympics in Turin showcases global athletes, including 33-year-old Stefanie Wiegel from North Rhine-Westphalia, competing in snowboarding. With a rich history of participation since 2002, Wiegel aims for a medal while cherishing friendships formed at previous games. Emphasizing the importance of visibility for individuals with disabilities, she advocates for sports as a means of connection and self-expression. Alongside fellow athletes, Wiegel inspires her teammates to believe in themselves and strive for their best.
Special Olympics Shine in Turin: Meet Stefanie Wiegel
The Special Olympics are currently taking place in Turin until March 15, showcasing the talents of athletes from around the globe. Among the impressive participants is Stefanie Wiegel, a remarkable athlete hailing from North Rhine-Westphalia.
At 33 years old, Wiegel is representing her region in snowboarding at the World Winter Games. With aspirations to take home a medal, she shared her excitement on the Special Olympics website, stating, “Of course, I want to come home with a medal.” Yet, her heart is also set on reconnecting with friends she made at previous World Games.
A Journey of Triumph and Friendship
Wiegel stands out as one of the most seasoned members of the German team. Her journey began in 2002, and since then, she has accumulated an impressive array of medals at both national and international events for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Her past experiences include competing in the World Games in Athens in 2011, Korea in 2013, Austria in 2017, and more recently in Berlin in 2023.
For Wiegel, sports have always played a pivotal role in her life. “I enjoy the moment of finishing,” she expressed, recalling her participation in summer games using roller skates and inline skates. “Without sports, I would just be sitting at home, and that would be super boring. Additionally, I have been able to meet many friends through sports and see a lot of the world.”
Despite having Down syndrome, Wiegel embraces her identity and urges others to do the same. “Some people hide. I show myself and say: Hey, I am also a person, just like everyone else,” she shared in an interview.
In her professional life, Wiegel works in the kitchen of a support workshop in Langenfeld and is no stranger to the public eye. She has served as the athlete spokesperson for the German Olympic team and was featured prominently during the Germany Games in Düsseldorf alongside table tennis champion Timo Boll.
In Turin, Wiegel is part of a dedicated snowboarding team from North Rhine-Westphalia, alongside fellow athletes Michelle Keller from Ratingen and Steven Wilkinson from Hilden. Together, they train regularly with their group from Lebenshilfe Kreisvereinigung Mettmann at the Neuss ski hall, with Wiegel also honing her skills during ski vacations with her family.
Her father, a former competitive cyclist, has been a significant influence and role model in her life. “He used to win, and now I am winning,” she confidently remarked. Her father beams with pride, stating, “When you see her today, you no longer think of disability. She is a confident young woman who may need a little help now and then, but is fully engaged in life.”
The Special Olympics provide an essential platform for individuals with intellectual and multiple disabilities, promoting recognition, self-esteem, and social inclusion through sports. Wiegel wholeheartedly supports these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of visibility: “It is very important that there are such events and that they are also broadcast on television. This way, we are seen and can show that we can and are allowed to do great sports.”
Joining Wiegel in the NRW delegation is Luisa Brauswetter, who will compete in dancing alongside her sister and unified partner, Elena. This marks Luisa’s debut at the World Games.
As a motivating force for her teammates, Wiegel offers this advice: “Believe in yourselves and bravely give your best!” This sentiment embodies the spirit of the Special Olympics and encourages all participants to shine.