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>>> It may seem a bit bizarre that the athlete of the year in North Dakota was an alpine
skier from the eastern part of the state. But once you meet the big smile behind the
ski mask—there is no doubt that this athlete is deserving.
...The whole way" "There he is. There's my boy. Look at those
long legs. Isn't that cute. I always knew he was gonna be a good runner."
Tommy Mikkelson has always been athletic.
Jolene Mikkelson, Mother"He was feeling kind of left out. He was the manager for the
basketball team but they weren't letting him play. And it was really kind of a sit here
and watch kind of thing."
Meredith Baumann, Director, GF area Special Olympics "I've had people come to
me to say, "I have a friend. The parents have said, mom, they're just like me, I have a
friend now."
Jolene Mikkelson, Mother "We were driving home and he goes, "I really like special
Olympics, these are my people." And I thought oh, that's so wonderful. He's so comfortable
there and he just loves it.."
Joining the Special Olympics ten years ago has brought Tommy to the lifestyle he leads
today. He has gained independence, achieved athletic accomplishment...and a best friend.
Meredith Baumann, Director, GF area Special Olympics "That's a whole great thing.
That's the meaning behind It for me, to give people a relationship building avenue."
David Dahlgren "He's a good roommate. He deserved gold in Korea and he did really
good. I'm proud of him for the gold medal." -David Dahlgren
You heard right. This past winter Tommy took home some hardware from overseas.
Tommy Mikkelson, 2012 Gold Medal Winner "I represented my country and placed
really well in a downhill skiing competition. It takes a lot of work, but once you get really
good at something you can enjoy it for years to come."
He competed in The 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games, taking home a gold medal in
Super G-the speedy form of Alpine slalom skiing.
Tommy Mikkelson, 2012 Gold Medal Winner "It's been really fun. I hope more
people get a chance out there to do something they want to accomplish"
Like any decorated athlete, Tommy says he's appreciative for the opprtunities he has been
given.
Tommy Mikkelson, 2012 Gold Medal Winner "I wanna thank all my family that have
been supporting their son and grandson for years cus I wouldn't be here if it wasn't
for family as well."
Of course not everyone can win a gold medal. But-one CAN set goals and reach them, just
as Tommy has, with a smile on his face the whole way. »
>>Tommy placed in two other Alpine events while at the World Winter gaems.
The Mikkelson family has taken annual trips to the mountains since he was five.