‘I’m hoping for a medal’: Saskatoon speed skater prepares for Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy

Jordan Stevenson, 25, is heading to the Special Olympics Winter Games. (Laura Woodward/CTV News)

A Saskatoon speed skater is preparing to compete on the world stage at the Special Olympics Winter Games.

Jordan Stevenson is one of three Saskatchewan athletes travelling to Turin, Italy for the Games.

It will be the biggest competition Stevenson has ever been a part of.

“I’m hoping for a medal, but I will never complain about a race where I’ve put everything I have into the race,” Stevenson told CTV News.

More than 1,500 athletes from 102 delegations will compete in eight sports at the 12th Special Olympics Winter Games.

The Special Olympics gives athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete in global Olympic-style competitions.

Leading up to the international event, Stevenson has been focused on technique.

“You gotta get the technique down to get faster,” the 25-year-old speed skater said.

Stevenson has been speed skating for 15 years; Larry Fast has been his training coach for eight.

Over that time, Fast said he’s witnessed Stevenson get physically and mentally stronger.

“He’s really focused,” Fast told CTV News.

Fast said Stevenson’s good attitude and willingness to work hard sets him up for success.

“He’s not scared of hard work. He trains hard, but he has fun doing it. That’s the kind of person he is,” Fast said.

Stevenson said having fun is an integral component of the Special Olympics.

“It’s about having fun. Everyone out there is just having fun and cheering for each other,” Stevenson said.

“Sport is something everyone should be able to do. Sport isn’t about getting to the highest level, it’s about having fun doing what you’re doing.”

He said the camaraderie within the Special Olympics community makes races feel more like a team effort, than an individual sport.

“Being part of this community has been a blast. I don’t know what I’d be without meeting this community,” Stevenson said.

The opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics Winter Games begin March 8.