GSW Freshman Wins Gold at 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games

AMERICUS, Ga. (Feb. 19, 2026) — As athletes from around the world compete on the global stage at this year’s Winter Games, one member of Georgia Southwestern State University’s freshman class already knows what it feels like to stand atop the podium.

Jayda Hughes, of Moultrie, Ga., won a gold medal in Alpine Skiing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. In addition to gold, she earned two bronze medals in other skiing events, bringing home three medals in her first World Games appearance.

Hughes was one of only three athletes from Georgia selected to compete at the 2025 Games, where she faced more than 1,500 athletes from 103 countries.

Now a fine arts major at GSW, Hughes concentrates in ceramics. Her pottery and artwork have been exhibited at the Georgia National Fair in Perry, Ga. She says the encouragement she received from the GSW community meant everything as she prepared for international competition.

“Everyone at GSW was very supportive, gave me prayers and blessings and told me very encouraging words,” Hughes said.

Although she has only been skiing for about five years, her coach, Mitchell McKinney, describes her as a natural skier with “raw talent.” Hughes first tried skiing at age 14 on a trip with Special Olympics to Boone, N.C. Because Georgia rarely sees snow, she is typically able to practice just once a year. Even so, McKinney says she has impressed coaches from around the world with her determination and skill.

Hughes, who has autism and a physical disability due to a birth defect affecting her leg, says Special Olympics gave her the opportunity to prove something to herself and others.

“Special Olympics has allowed me the opportunity to show people that I can do something, that I am good at something,” she said.

As winter athletes compete on the world stage this season, Hughes’ story stands as a reminder that excellence and perseverance are already shining bright at GSW.