Austria’s team achieved remarkable success at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Italy, securing 41 medals, including 18 golds. Notable performances came from skier Alexander Haissl, who won two golds and a silver, and Jasmin Heim, who triumphed in all her alpine events. Despite challenges like harsh weather and health issues, the athletes showcased resilience and dedication. Looking ahead, Special Olympics Austria is preparing for future competitions, including the World Summer Games in 2027.
Austria’s Spectacular Achievement at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025
The Austrian team has proudly concluded the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 with an impressive haul: 18 gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze medals. Among the standout performers was Innsbruck’s own skier, Alexander Haissl, who captured two golds and one silver medal during the competition.
A Memorable Return to Winter Sports
The 2025 games, held in Piedmont, Italy, marked a significant return since the last Winter Games took place in 2017 across Graz, Schladming, and Ramsau am Dachstein. The global event was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the withdrawal of Kazan as a host city following geopolitical tensions. With 1,500 athletes from 98 nations competing in eight disciplines, the week-long event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also aimed to foster greater recognition and appreciation for individuals with intellectual disabilities, who often face challenges in many parts of the world.
A total of 39 athletes represented Austria, supported by 5 unified partners and 20 coaches. Their remarkable achievements on the international stage culminated in a total of 41 medals, showcasing the strength and determination of the Austrian competitors.
Laurenz Maresch, President of SOÖ, expressed his admiration for the athletes’ accomplishments and the importance of fostering a culture of connection and mutual respect. He hopes that the spirit of the games will inspire decision-makers worldwide to prioritize tolerance and peace within their communities.
Innsbruck’s Haissl and Other Stars Shine Bright
Tyrolean athletes showcased exceptional talent at the games, with Alexander Haissl earning accolades in three disciplines. His outstanding performance secured him two gold medals and one silver. Christian Thomsen, another alpine skier, also excelled, bringing home two golds.
Jasmin Heim from Vorarlberg made headlines by clinching gold in all three of her alpine events: giant slalom, super-G, and slalom. Salzburg’s Mladen Marjanovic triumphed in cross-country skiing, winning gold in both the 100m and 50m categories. Additionally, Veronika Kaube from Styria and Paul Vogl from Lower Austria each completed their medal collections with one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
While the medals are a testament to the athletes’ skill, personal achievements and improvements were equally celebrated. Many competitors underwent rigorous training for months, supported by their dedicated coaches and unified partners. Even those who didn’t secure medals returned home with pride, embodying the Special Olympics motto: “I want to win. But if I cannot win, then I want to try bravely.”
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
The Austrian team faced several challenges during the World Games in Sestriere, including harsh winter weather and a virus that affected some athletes. The geographical spread of the venues added another layer of complexity to the organization, compounded by an unfortunate incident where the vehicle of Special Olympics Austria was broken into in Turin.
National Director Nicole Koch praised the resilience and camaraderie of the team, attributing their success to years of dedicated training. As preparations for future events begin, Special Olympics Austria is already looking ahead to the World Summer Games in Santiago de Chile in 2027, followed by the 2029 World Winter Games in Graubünden, Switzerland. However, before these major events, several smaller but equally significant competitions are on the horizon, as the athletes return to their everyday routines on Monday.