CHARLOTTE, N.C. β A Β Charlotte figure skater is representing Team USA at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy this week, bringing years of perseverance and determination to the international stage.
Ashley Tanner has been competing in Special Olympics events for more than two decades, but says the world stage still brings its own set of challenges.
“Focusing and not to look at the crowds,” Tanner said when asked about how she overcomes hurdles in competition.
Her coach is Heidi Parker, who is also an assistant coach for US Figure Skating. She attributes Tanner’s success to her unwavering commitment.
“Ashley’s not given up. She has trained extra hard. She’s kept going even through any adversity that she’s had on or off the ice,” Parker said.
This year’s games carry special significance after previous cancellations. Many athletes, including Tanner, have been preparing their routines for an extended period of time.
“Some of them have been working for over two years on the routines because they were selected for the previous Winter World Games that were canceled, and so they’re extra prepared,” Parker noted.
As Tanner prepares to take the ice in Turin, she has both personal goals and a message she hopes to share with others facing challenges.
“To win the gold medals, and all the fans there to cheer me on,” Tanner said, expressing her hopes for the competition.
The Special Olympics World Games in Turin will conclude on March 16, with figure skating events scheduled for later this week.
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