Sascha Maikl from Innsbruck inspires Special Olympics in Turin!

Sascha Maikl from Innsbruck inspires Special Olympics in Turin!

The Innsbruck athlete Sascha Maikl showed great performances at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin. Today he was welcomed by Mayor Johannes Anzengruber in the town hall, where his successes were duly appreciated. The 45-year-old took top-class places: 5th place over 5 km and the 6th place over 7.5 km in the Nordic ski. He demonstrated these impressive results, while over 1,500 athletes from around 100 countries in Turin fought for medals. The Austrian delegation was strongly represented with 65 people, including 40 athletes and 20 trainers, who all stood together for the outstanding team performance.

Maikl's motivation is simple but strong: "Be there, do my best, make an effort and grow beyond me." This philosophy also became visible during the games, where teamwork and new sports friendships played a major role. Mayor Anzengruber emphasized Maikl's commitment and his sporting enthusiasm. He is not only a successful athlete in Ski Nordic, but also actively in powerlifting, dance sport and running. A few weeks earlier, in the summer of 2023, he had already participated in the World Summer Games in Berlin.

a memorable start in Pragelato

The first sports day of the world winter games that took place on March 11 was heralded by Sascha Maikl. He was the first cross-country skier to venture into the 5 km round and thus ensured the punctual start of the athletes. A total of 12 cross -country skiers were used for Austria, including the athletes Alexander Wurm and Siegfried Mayr. In ideal cross -country skiing conditions and bright sunshine, there was a positive mood among the numerous fans on site. Sports director Thomas Gruber was proud that the games could start so smoothly.

The event in Turin set a strong sign of inclusion and the conviction that every performance counts. In particular, the number of participants and the diversity of the athletes reflects the idea that sport connects and that nobody should be excluded. For many athletes and spectators, the Special Olympics World Winter Games were an unforgettable experience that celebrates the power of sport.

The impressive message of these games is not only heard in Turin 🇮🇹, but also far beyond the borders of Austria. The sporting successes and the inspiring stories of athletes like Sascha Maikl stand for the ongoing struggle for acceptance and promoting inclusion through sport.

For everyone who wants to learn more about the success and the inspiring stories of the athletes, the reports are on Special Olympics A fantastic source of information.