Before they had even set foot on Italian snow, Monaco’s Special Olympics athletes were already winners in the eyes of their nation. In a heartfelt send-off hosted by the Monégasque Olympic Committee (COM), these twelve determined sportsmen and women received the “Certificat de Sportif Spécial de Haut Niveau”, a token of recognition that celebrated not just their talent, but their resilience, camaraderie, and unwavering dedication.
Little did they know they would return home draped in medals, having written a golden chapter in Monaco’s sporting history.
From Certificates to the Top of the Podium
At the Winter World Games in Italy, the Monégasque delegation delivered performances that will be remembered for years to come. Against the stunning backdrop of the Piedmont region’s snow-capped mountains, these athletes took on the best in the world—and won. Seven medals, including a spectacular gold in the 4x100m snowshoe relay, proved that their preparation, spirit, and sheer determination were more than enough to conquer the elements.
The relay final itself was the stuff of legend. Racing through thick fog and heavy snow, Albane, Robin, Rabab, and Diego were reported to put on a masterclass in teamwork. Each handover witnessed was executed with precision, and as Diego surged ahead in the final stretch, emerging from the mist in the lead, the Monegasque delegation was reported erupting in celebration.
A Celebration of Inclusion and Triumph
For these athletes, victory was more than just medals—it was a validation of their hard work and perseverance. Their achievements mirrored the very values that had been highlighted in their pre-competition send-off: solidarity, courage, and sportsmanship. The cheers that had sent them off from Monaco found an echo in the joyous celebrations on Italian soil, as teammates and coaches would deserve to be revelling in the thrill of their success.
But the golden relay wasn’t the only highlight. The morning of the final day saw Monaco’s individual brilliance shine as well—Robin stormed to gold in the 100m, while Diego clinched bronze, and Rabab’s elegant race secured silver. The Monegasque colours flew high across the competition venues in Sestriere and Pragelato, a testament to the spirit and skill of these incredible competitors.
More Than Medals—A Legacy of Determination
Monaco’s Special Olympics team may have returned home with seven medals, but their true reward lies in the impact they’ve made. They have inspired a nation, proving that through perseverance, any mountain—both literal and metaphorical—can be conquered.
From the heartfelt send-off in Monaco to their golden triumphs in Italy, their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. They set out with certificates in hand and returned with history written in the snow. They are more than athletes. They are champions. They are Monegasque heroes the whole team and their coaches too.
The Team
Snowshoeing: Rabab Bechti, Diego Bolatti, Albane Lepoivre and Robin Leteuil.
Downhill & Cross Country skiers: Elsa Clément, Thomas Desperies, Miya Franzi Denis Lupo, Eric Bruno, Stéphane Kelkal and Rodolphe Rodnay.
The six coaches: Saverio Cuneo, Catherine Lapelegerie, Marco Muratori, Emilie Rousseau, Eric Waterson and Pierre Van Klaveren, President of Special Olympics Monaco.
