Jenny Brings Home Bronze
Jenny Noonan, a proud member of the DASCH community, recently showcased her incredible athletic skills at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Competing in snowshoeing, Jenny won two bronze medals: one in the 100m race and another in the 4×100 relay!
Jenny’s journey to this achievement demonstrates her dedication and the unwavering support from her roommates, staff, and family. With weekly training sessions and a commitment to a healthy diet, Jenny prepared rigorously for the games.
Jenny first joined Special Olympics 20 years ago at an athletics club. This initial experience led her to compete at provincial and national levels. Last year, she competed in the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary, bringing home a gold, silver, and bronze medal, winning a medal in every competition she entered.
“Snowshoeing has taught me to believe, to motivate myself, to focus, and breathe,” Jenny says.
After a long day of travel, Jenny arrived in Italy feeling both tired and excited. Staying in a hotel with her teammates, she had the opportunity to meet athletes from other countries and explore downtown Italy, enjoying the local cuisine – pasta, pizza, and gelato!
Aside from the delicious food, one of Jenny’s highlights was walking in the opening ceremony parade.
“There were a lot of people, and I was walking and waving with everyone,” Jenny says, “and we were on T.V., like a movie star!”
Jenny’s favourite things about snowshoeing are winning medals and feeling proud of herself. She also cherishes the community she has built with her teammates and coaches.
Jenny capped off her Special Olympic experience with a medal ceremony, where she received her two bronze medals. “I was nervous, but proud,” she says of standing at the podium. “I trained so hard, and it got me where I am now.”
Her training for the games has motivated her to continue working hard and achieve her goals.
“Next time I’m going to get a gold medal. That’s my goal.” she says.
Jenny’s advice to aspiring athletes (though we think anyone could take inspiration from) is: “Kick butt, keep going and never give up.”
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