Selkirk’s Dylan Collins had a heavier suitcase when he flew home from the 2025 Special Olympics World Games in Italy this past March – he was hauling two gold and one silver, medals he earned in Alpine skiing events.
Collins, 27, competed in Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super-G, claiming gold in both Slalom and Super-G and silver in Giant Slalom.
“It feels really good,” Collins said.
“I brought home two golds and a silver.”
This was Collin’s first time competing at the Special Olympics World Games—a milestone he described as his biggest achievement to date. The journey wasn’t easy. He recalled racing in tough conditions, including limited visibility due to fog and snow.
“Every day was either a snowstorm or foggy. One day I couldn’t see anything going down the hill—just the red and blue poles.”
Before the games, Collins trained in Calgary and Quebec, with most of his home training taking place at Holiday Mountain and Asessippi Ski Area in Manitoba.
“It’s mostly flat here, so skiing in the mountains was a big change,” he said.
representing Selkirk internationally was “really special,” and the support from his family has meant the world.
Dylan Collins
Collins, a City of Selkirk employee, has been involved in Special Olympics for more than 10 years and started skiing at a young age. He says representing Selkirk internationally was “really special,” and the support from his family has meant the world.
“My family came with me to Italy to watch me race. That meant a lot,” Collins said.
After returning home, Collins was recognized at the Manitoba Legislature and by Selkirk City Council at a council meeting on April 28.
“It was pretty cool,” he said of meeting the Premier and being acknowledged in his community.
He’s a great ambassador for our city, and we’re all behind him, cheering him on for whatever comes next.”
Mayor Larry Johannson
Mayor Larry Johannson said Collins has done something really special and has made all of Selkirk proud.
“To bring home two golds and a silver from the Olympics is an incredible accomplishment. He’s a great ambassador for our city, and we’re all behind him, cheering him on for whatever comes next.”
Looking to the future, Collins has his eyes on the 2029 Special Olympics World Games in Switzerland.
“I’ll keep practicing and see if I can make it. That’s the goal,” he said.
Dylan also hopes to inspire the next generation.
“I want to get my nephew into skiing. Hopefully I can help mentor him.”
The City of Selkirk congratulates Dylan Collins on his remarkable achievement and thanks him for being a true ambassador for the city. His perseverance, talent, and humility are a source of pride and inspiration for the entire community.
