Azzurri’s Luca Vergnano Wins First Gold At Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025: “It Was My Childhood Dream”
Luca Vergnano in action on the Sestriere track (Photo by Special Olympics)
TURIN, March 13, 2025 - “It was my childhood dream,” said 31-year-old Luca Vergnano, moments after claiming the first gold medal of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025. Hailing from Pianezza, Italy, Vergnano struck gold in the Giant Slalom - a breathtaking showcase of grit, skill, and lifelong determination.
The competition, running from March 8 to 15, are unfolding across the stunning alpine settings of Turin, Sestriere, Bardonecchia, and Pragelato, bringing together special athletes from all corners of the globe.
WINNING MOMENT Vergnano’s performance in the Advanced Giant Slalom was a masterclass in speed and precision. Battling sharp winds and a challenging course, he powered through the gates with ice-cool focus and flawless technique. His final time? Blisteringly fast (1'03"000)! preceding the Austrian Alexander Haissl (1'05"790) and the American Tyler Lagasse (1'08"180).
"Being at the World Championships one day and giving my all was a dream I've had since I was a child and I came here to watch the World Cup races. I hope that in the future I can continue to grow and always ski at the top. Now I'm focusing on the other races that await me, to try to win again" Luca said.
IT'S MORE THAN A MEDAL For Luca, this victory is more than a medal; it’s the culmination of years of training, discipline, and unwavering support from his coaches, family, and the tight-knit community of Pianezza, nestled just outside Turin. Known for his cheerful spirit and relentless drive, Luca has long been a local hero — but after today, he’s officially an international champion.
"Winning here, so close to home, is something I can’t even describe," Luca said, beaming with pride after his win. "I gave it everything. I thought of my coaches, my parents, and all the people back in Pianezza cheering for me. This medal is for them too."
WORLD'S BIGGEST INCLUSIVE EVENT The Special Olympics World Winter Games, a global celebration of inclusion through sport, showcases the remarkable talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities. And in Luca Vergnano, the world witnessed a powerful example of what courage and commitment can achieve.
GOLDEN BOY Back in Pianezza, celebrations are already underway. Banners line the streets, and a homecoming parade is being planned for their golden boy - a man whose victory has not only earned him a place in the record books, but also in the hearts of thousands.
The competition, running from March 8 to 15, are unfolding across the stunning alpine settings of Turin, Sestriere, Bardonecchia, and Pragelato, bringing together special athletes from all corners of the globe.
WINNING MOMENT Vergnano’s performance in the Advanced Giant Slalom was a masterclass in speed and precision. Battling sharp winds and a challenging course, he powered through the gates with ice-cool focus and flawless technique. His final time? Blisteringly fast (1'03"000)! preceding the Austrian Alexander Haissl (1'05"790) and the American Tyler Lagasse (1'08"180).
"Being at the World Championships one day and giving my all was a dream I've had since I was a child and I came here to watch the World Cup races. I hope that in the future I can continue to grow and always ski at the top. Now I'm focusing on the other races that await me, to try to win again" Luca said.
IT'S MORE THAN A MEDAL For Luca, this victory is more than a medal; it’s the culmination of years of training, discipline, and unwavering support from his coaches, family, and the tight-knit community of Pianezza, nestled just outside Turin. Known for his cheerful spirit and relentless drive, Luca has long been a local hero — but after today, he’s officially an international champion.
"Winning here, so close to home, is something I can’t even describe," Luca said, beaming with pride after his win. "I gave it everything. I thought of my coaches, my parents, and all the people back in Pianezza cheering for me. This medal is for them too."
WORLD'S BIGGEST INCLUSIVE EVENT The Special Olympics World Winter Games, a global celebration of inclusion through sport, showcases the remarkable talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities. And in Luca Vergnano, the world witnessed a powerful example of what courage and commitment can achieve.
GOLDEN BOY Back in Pianezza, celebrations are already underway. Banners line the streets, and a homecoming parade is being planned for their golden boy - a man whose victory has not only earned him a place in the record books, but also in the hearts of thousands.
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