Minnesota Skier Aims for Gold at World Winter Games

Bethany Mussell, a dedicated downhill skier from Minnesota, is about to take her skills to the world stage next month. Mussell, who competes with Special Olympics, has put in years of hard work on the slopes of Minnesota, earning herself a shot at winning gold in the Italian Alps.

Over the past 15 years, Mussell has been honing her skiing abilities, leading her to qualify for international competition. However, her journey to this point has been far from easy. "When I get nervous, I usually tell myself to take some deep breaths," Mussell shared.

With the guidance of her Special Olympics coaches, particularly Berit Dussault, Mussell has mastered the slalom technique. "Berit helps me with ski techniques, like learning how to bend my knees and turn a little more," Mussell explained. Dussault praised Mussell's positive attitude, highlighting the challenges athletes with special needs face in skiing.

During the last season, Mussell clinched a gold medal at the State Ski Meet held at Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls. This victory served as a stepping stone for her to compete on the global stage.

Reflecting on her final practice session at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington before departing for Turin, Italy, Mussell expressed a mix of excitement and nerves. "It felt really wonderful. I loved it. I'm very excited, but very nervous," she shared.

At the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games, Mussell is set to compete in three events: slalom, giant slalom, and Super G. Her coaches have full confidence in her abilities, anticipating further success at the prestigious competition. "I think she's going to do amazing, but I think she's going to have fun overall, and that's the best part of it," Dussault remarked.

Despite starting skiing later in life, at the age of 41, Mussell has achieved remarkable feats. She aspires to inspire other athletes with her story, encouraging them to pursue their dreams relentlessly. "My message to others: keep doing what you're doing, work on your skills, and be confident in yourself," Mussell emphasized.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are scheduled to commence on March 8, featuring over 1,500 athletes from around the globe. Marielle Mohs, a storyteller from Minnesota, is excited to share the inspiring journey of Bethany Mussell, a testament to perseverance and dedication in the world of sports.