Nickell Grabs Two Medals at World Winter Games
Morehead Skier Claimed One Gold and One Bronze in Turin
After waiting six years to finally get her World Games opportunity, Morehead skier DesaRae Nickell definitely made the most of it, capturing a pair of medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 , which were held March 8-15 in Turin, Italy.
After a rousing Opening Ceremony on March 8, Nickell dazzled on the slopes in her first run. In the Divisioning Round for the Giant Slalom on March 11, Nickell clocked in at :48.20 seconds in the Intermediate Division. It was the fastest time of any of the Special Olympics USA skiers at the Games and 18th fastest overall. She returned to Sestriere on March 12 for the Giant Slalom final, where she claimed her first medal of the Games – a Bronze – in a time of 1:25.990. She edged Lauren Kerjain of Belgium by just .19 seconds for the final podium spot. Nickell was 2.48 seconds behind Silver Medalist Anna Coromina Robles of Spain and 9.81 seconds off the pace of Gold Medalist Petra Vrablova of Slovakia.
It was in the Super G on March 13 that Nickell mined gold for Special Olympics USA. Nickell got down the hill in :48.91, .49 seconds faster than Silver Medalist Marene Jansen of The Netherlands. Larina Buechler of Switzerland took the Bronze.
It would be the last race of the Games for Nickell. An illness that sent Nickell to the hospital after her arrival in Italy returned to keep her from skiing in the Slalom on the last day of competition at the Games.
Upon her return home, Nickell’s gutty performance was celebrated with a big welcome home part in Morehead. She was also honored at the Kentucky State Legislature and by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
We are all so proud of DesaRae and her incredible accomplishments.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 Turin gathered more than 1,500 athletes from 103 countries to compete in eight winter sports and showcase the determination of people with intellectual disabilities and the power of inclusion through sport.
For more information about the World Winter Games or other Special Olympics World Games events, contact Mark Buerger at 502-695-8222 or mbuerger@soky.org.