Sixteen-year-old Cromwell College student Jack Robinson got a hat trick of awards in the Special Olympics Winter Games at Cardrona Alpine Resort last week (August 17).

Jack was awarded the most improved athlete trophy, a gold in the slalom, and bronze in the giant slalom.

Jack with the most improved trophy. PHOTO: Supplied

He said it felt really good when he won the trophy. 

Jack has been skiing since he was eight when Stefan Petersohn (his then support person) introduced him to the sport, and it has become his favourite winter sport.

Jack’s mother Megan said he has had adaptive lessons at Cardrona over the years. More recently his long time support person Katie Klomberg has consistently supported him on the mountain slopes. 

This winter he has been participating in weekly group ski lessons with the Cromwell College year 11 physical education class, and he trains with a personal trainer at the Workshop Fitness Centre in Cromwell. 

Jack hopes to continue competing every year and hopefully qualify for the World Winter Games in Turin (Italy) in 2025. 

Jack, who has Downs Syndrome, isn’t content with skiing alone, he wants to join the Special Olympics Basketball team and wants to attend a bodybuilding competition. He also enjoys horse riding, kayaking, and bike riding.

Megan said having intellectual and physical disabilities can be extremely limiting for individuals in our community.

“Events such as this give people like Jack opportunities to experience, discover, and learn new strengths, abilities, and skills. It gives Jack the opportunity to succeed and thrive as a person, and gain a sense of friendship and belonging.”

Cromwell College deputy principal Sarah Hill said Jack performed “exceptionally well”.

Jack at the starting line. PHOTO: Supplied 

The secret to his success, Jack said, is “going fast, good hamburgers, and Xbox gaming”.

The Special Olympics National Winter Games are the four-yearly pinnacle event for athletes with an intellectual disability competing in skiing and snowboarding events, and this year’s games were the ninth edition since the first competition in 1992.

Around 50 athletes from 18 clubs from all corners of New Zealand travelled to the slopes in Queenstown Lakes to compete across six different events: Advanced and Intermediate Slalom and Giant Slalom, Snowboard Cross and Snowboard Giant Slalom.