Owen reaches new heights on and off the slopes
When he's not making strides in Yooralla's Impact Program, Owen is tearing up the alpine slopes, achieving remarkable feats with every run!
Owen is one of Yooralla’s Impact Program clients. After completing classroom training and site visits with some organisations, he has just been offered a work experience role with M80 Alliance, one of our employer partners!
When he's not making strides in our Impact Program, Owen is tearing up the alpine slopes, achieving remarkable feats with every run!
Owen recently demonstrated these talents by winning a gold medal at the Special Olympics National Winter Games held at Mt. Buller, followed closely by a silver medal in the Special Olympics division of the Interschools competition. These achievements are the result of years of hard work and passion from Owen, and unwavering support from his family and community.
Victory at the Special Olympics National Winter Games
The Special Olympics National Winter Games, which took place from 15-18 July 2024, brought together talented skiers and snowboarders from across Australia. Despite facing some challenging weather conditions that threatened to disrupt the event, Owen remained focused and determined to perform at his best.
However, just a day before the big race, Owen encountered an unexpected setback when a snowboarder collided with him while exiting the chairlift. The initial medical assessment raised concerns of a potential ACL [knee] injury, casting doubt over his ability to compete.
Recalling the tense moment, Owen's parents shared, "we thought he might have torn his ACL [in his knee] and shouldn't compete. The medical team was cautious, and we were prepared for him to sit this one out."
Thankfully on the morning of the race, Owen’s physiotherapist gave him the green light to compete! Demonstrating incredible grit, Owen took to the slopes and delivered two impressive runs in the Intermediate 2 Male Giant Slalom race. Despite nursing a sore knee, his performance was outstanding, leading him to secure the gold medal. Filled with pride and excitement, Owen exclaimed "finally, I got gold, just like Hawthorn [AFL football team]!”
"We weren’t expecting much with his injury. We were in disbelief when his name was called for the gold. We are super proud of his achievements. GO OWEN!!!," said mum Julie and dad Paul.
Adding silver to the collection at Interschools Competition
Not content with just one victory, Owen went on to compete in the Interschools competition a few weeks later and despite battling ordinary weather conditions with slushy, icy snow and low visibility, Owen secured a silver medal in Division 2 of the Special Olympics section of the competition!
"The conditions were pretty tough, but he did exceptionally well and is getting more and more accustomed to the competitive environment," said mum Julie.
Representing Australia globally in Italy
These back-to-back victories have not only boosted Owen's confidence but have earned him a coveted spot on the team representing Australia at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy in March 2025. Owen was the only athlete with Trisomy 21 (T21) to be selected for the team.
In preparation for this monumental event, Owen will complete extensive training and team-building activities through participation in the regular Special Olympics and Interschools camp and race, followed by a week-long training session in September at Perisher Valley, where the team will live together, ski together and learn to work as a team.
This is a dream come true for Owen and we’re confident that he will make Australia proud on the world stage!
From first steps to first skis
Owen's journey on the slopes began in 2008 when he was just four years old, starting with cross-country skiing alongside his father, Paul. By the age of seven, he transitioned to downhill skiing, embracing the thrill and challenge it offered. Talk about talent at a young age!
Owen participated in his first competition in 2017 and has been a consistent presence on the slopes ever since. This dedication and talent caught the attention of talent scouts last year, leading to an invitation to join the Australian team for the 2023 Virtus Games in Poland. Owen felt he wasn't quite ready for the challenge at the time, but his recent accomplishments have proven that he's now well prepared for international competition!
An athletic marvel
Amazingly, skiing is just one of Owen’s many athletic abilities! In 2022, Owen represented Victoria at the Special Olympics National Games in Launceston, where he competed in athletics and brought home a silver medal in the 400m, bronze medals in the 200m and relay events, and placed fifth in the 800m race.
"We aren’t aware of anyone else with T21 who competes across such a wide range of sports, especially in longer-distance events,” said mum Julie.
Owen’s passion for various sports shows not just in his physical skills, but in his drive, discipline and love for being part of his community!
With his eyes set on the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games, we know Owen’s journey is just beginning. Good luck, Owen—we’re all cheering for you! 👏