An accomplished Special Olympics cross-country skier from Orillia has added another gold medal to his trophy case.
Carter Meeuwisse, 26, competed in Huntsville at the Provincial Nordic and Special Olympics Winter Games this past weekend. He placed first in the 10-kilometre freestyle race with a time of 38:20. He also finished second, winning a silver medal, in the 5-kilometre race, and finished fourth in the 2.5-kilometre race.
“That was the first 10K race that I have ever competed in,” the Patrick Fogarty Secondary School graduate said. “Having the crowd around me, having my dad cheering me on, and having family and friends there to cheer me on was really great.”
Meeuwisse, a two-time provincial and national champion, started skiing when he was about five years old. He trains at Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
“For me, cross-country skiing is simply about getting out with friends,” he said. “It allows me to get exercise and fresh air.”
While Meeuwisse loves the camaraderie of skiing with his friends, he admits that he also loves the competitive aspect.
“Competing is one of my favourite things to do in the wintertime,” he said. “My goal is to always give my all and be the top number one.”
Meeuwisse, who works at Costco in Orillia, says the inspiration behind winning medals is his home community and those who support him.
“It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about bringing others joy and showing what people like me can accomplish.”
Meeuwisse credits his coach of around six years, Ann Scully, for helping him earn his recent success.
“She has been a fantastic coach,” he said. “She has mentored me through being the youngest in the competition, raising expectations, and always showing me how to peak for races.”
Meeuwisse hopes that his recent success in Huntsville will earn him an invite to the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary.
“I would be proud to represent our province and our community again,” he said. “I love the sport. So, I would give it my all and show what I can do best.”
