Alice Willans, an ex-Horticulture student at Sparsholt College, has represented Team GB on the slope at this year’s Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. After competing for the second time in the advanced group, Alice skied to success and won gold for the Super Giant Slalom and Silver for the Slalom.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games aims to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition across a range of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The games give participants opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Reflecting on her experience, Alice said: “I’m really proud to be one of the 10 members representing Great Britain. To experience this once in a lifetime opportunity, you can’t beat it”
“The adrenaline rush you get as you smash through those slalom gates, I feel the most free and happy when I’m skiing”
“When I’m on that mountain, what could be better!”
Alice has become accustomed to going for gold over the past few years. While studying with Sparsholt College, she was part of the plant team for the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show entry ‘Rustic Recipes Reimagined’ College’s which won gold. She continues to engage in her passion for horticulture and develop her skills alongside skiing training and works at RHS Wisley, Farnham Castle and Birtley House throughout the week while regularly undertaking advocacy work for charities.
We’re extremely proud of Alice and this achievement epitomises her continued determination and hard work.
Discover more about Alice’s experience in Turin by tuning into the BBC’s ‘The World in Turin’ on BBC iPlayer