Special Olympics Team Canada Cross Country Skier Francis Stanley’s Golden Comeback

Francis Stanley skied his way into Special Olympics Team Canada history in Turin, winning one of the first gold medals of the Games in the 10K Free Technique (M01) race. He crossed the finish line in 23:15—shaving more than two minutes off his previous personal best—and showing just how much he had pushed himself to reach this moment.

For the 28-year-old from Kelowna, B.C., this victory carried even more weight after a difficult setback earlier in the year. A spontaneous punctured lung forced him to step away from training for weeks, disrupting his usual rhythm and routine. But Francis was determined to return stronger. As soon as he was able, he got back on his skis, gradually rebuilding his endurance and sharpening his technique. By the time he arrived in Turin, he wasn’t just racing for a medal—he was proving to himself that nothing could hold him back.

Watching from the sidelines was his mother, Annabel Stanley, who also serves as the head coach of Special Olympics Team Canada’s cross-country ski team. She has been by his side since he first joined Special Olympics 16 years ago, watching him develop from a young skier into an athlete competing on the world stage. Together, they’ve traveled across Canada and beyond, including to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria in 2017 and the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Thunder Bay in 2020, where Francis carried the Team BC flag into the Opening Ceremony. That same week, he won three gold medals, but his proudest moment wasn’t standing on the podium. When a teammate had yet to win a medal, Francis and his relay team rallied together to ensure she brought home a bronze.

Sport has always been at the center of Francis’s life. Diagnosed with autism and epilepsy as a child, he spent years in and out of the hospital with uncontrolled seizures. School was a challenge, as communication barriers often led to frustration. But when he was skiing, none of that mattered. “Skiing is life,” he says simply. Special Olympics gave him an outlet, a place to push himself, and a community where he belonged.

Leading up to Turin, he trained with high-performance skiers, studied technique from top athletes on social media, and adapted his approach to maximize his strengths. His hometown training coach quickly recognized that Francis was a visual learner, so instead of lengthy explanations, he had him follow experienced skiers, learning by watching their every move. It was clear that he wasn’t just aiming to participate—he was determined to perform at his best.

Crossing the finish line in Turin was a moment that represented years of dedication and resilience. Annabel, who has seen firsthand the obstacles he has overcome, couldn’t have been prouder.

“Francis has always had the drive and passion for skiing, but what’s most inspiring is his resilience,” she said. “He has faced obstacles, whether in health or competition, and has always come back stronger. To see him win gold here in Turin, after everything he’s been through, is an incredible moment.”

For Francis, though, it has never just been about competition. Special Olympics has given him a platform to not only race but to inspire others to take that first step—onto the trails, onto the field, or into any sport that sparks their passion. His message is simple: “Everyone can be an athlete. Come and join us, it’s fun.”