Northern Ireland - no snow, no slope, but no worries.
This embodies the spirit of double medal winners Caolán McConville and Lucy Best, who came back home this week following their participation with Team Ireland at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.
Following their victory in the giant slalom finals, they went on to took control of the Super G event With Caolán grabbing the gold medal in the advanced category clocking in at 33.10 seconds, and Lucy winning the novice round with a time of 41.39 seconds.
More than 100 nations participated in the inaugural World Winter Games since 2017, with competitions spanning across eight disciplines throughout the Piedmont area of Italy.
Caolán, aged 21, hailing from Aghagallon in County Antrim, created history by being the first competitor to represent Team Ireland in the advanced category of alpine skiing. Initially, he was listed under the intermediate section but later moved up to the more competitive division.
As soon as I found out I was placed in the advanced category, I didn’t feel concerned, yet I had doubts about emerging victorious since I hadn’t been properly prepared for it. Therefore, walking away with two gold medals was completely unforeseen but thoroughly appreciated.
Peadar, Caolán's father, mentioned that he was not at all surprised by his victory.
He stated, 'I could see the confidence, I knew he was in command and I believed he had it secured.'
'We train on the artificial slopes of Craigavon and Kilternan'
Caolán described his accomplishment as a "significant milestone" for Team Ireland, highlighting that although training in Ireland came with its share of difficulties, it also offered numerous advantages.
"We train on the wee artificial slopes Of Craigavon and Kilternan, he stated.
The man-made hills are certainly not ideal for practice, yet they offer "increased training duration" due to the advantage of being accessible throughout the year.
Lucy Best, aged 33 and hailing from Ballinderry, has been associated with Special Olympics Ireland for over a decade. She also participated in the World Winter Games held in South Korea back in 2013.
The County Antrim sportsman claimed two gold and one bronze medal in Italy.
I never thought I would win anything, yet I felt incredibly joyful when I received the medals.
"When they announced my name, I was so overwhelmed with joy that I almost started crying," she said.
'Lambing season on hold'
Lucy manages her ski responsibilities alongside helping out at the family farm, where this season's spring lambing has been meticulously organized.
Jo, Lucy's mother, stated: "After Lucy got chosen last year, we noticed that the Games fall right in the midst of our lambing season, which starts around October. So, we delayed introducing the rams by about three weeks."
She mentioned that after coming back home on Sunday, "the sheep have become quite frantic," with approximately 70 to 80 lambs being born over the past several days.
Jo mentioned that participating with the Special Olympics Ireland team has greatly benefited Lucy.
Individuals withspecial requirements often do not have many things to anticipate.
"Their dedication has truly paid off, and now they're radiating with self-assurance due to their success," she mentioned.
'Relax and enjoy it'
After achieving great success in Turin, Lucy and Caolán show no signs of retiring anytime soon.
Lucy stated, "I'll simply unwind and savor this moment."
“I’ll ease back into training gradually and perhaps secure a spot for the upcoming Games, but I also believe it’s important to offer new opportunities to others,” she mentioned.
Caolán stated, "I will persist. I am going to continue training for the subsequent opportunity and won’t stop until I reach 50 years of age!"
Switzerland will be hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2029.
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- Why doesn't Special Olympics focus on 'who is the best?'
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