A coffee and a chat with... Anthony Hibbard

We were very excited when Anthony and his Mum, Caroline, popped by Autism West Midlands Head Office earlier this week to talk about winning a bronze medal in skiing at the Special Olympics in Turin last month.

“Autism doesn’t need to stop you achieving what you want“

Can you tell us more about your recent experience as a member of team SOGB at the Winter games?

I had a great time! Whilst we were there we stayed in a hotel with lots of other teams from different countries so I met lots of people and all the family came along to support me. Meeting other teams was really great- we all exchanged badges from our own countries. The games were held at the Juventus stadium.

The opening ceremony was a big experience. Coming out of the tunnel and seeing everyone cheering was amazing!

How did you first get into the sport?

I first met my friend Jack at Aspire sessions run by AWM 16 years ago. He suggested I try out Alpine skiing and that’s how it all started.

How do brummies get good at skiing?

I train locally at Ackers and train on the dry slopes. I also train at Hemel Hempstead every few months. Once a year we go to Italy to train too. We’re competing against other countries that have excellent all year round ski conditions so it makes it an even bigger achievement.

It took 6 months to work my way up to the big slopes.

How do you get into Team GB?

You join a local team first and learnt to ski. You then enter regional games and then the national games were held in Italy. It was there that I qualified for the Winter Olympics.

How did it feel to win your medal?

I tried my hardest and did all that I could to win one. I felt really proud for myself and for team GB. I felt really alive!

What preparation did you need to do ahead of the games?

I did 4 trips to Aberdeen to train with the whole team. I also joined a gym and ate really healthily. We went to the snowdome for training too. The whole team flew out 4 days before event started which allowed us to process, find our way around and get used to the village. There were lots of zoom calls with the team ahead and pictures shared of the places we would visit.

When did you get your own diagnosis of autism?

I was 4 years old when got I got my diagnosis.

What advice would you give to other autistic people who want to become award winning athletes?

You have to just turn up even on a bad day. Turning up to an event even to just support other athletes and the team is important. The minimum is good enough and its all worth it. You can always get to where you want to go. I wanted to be in team GB and I made it!

It’s also important to get support. I had excellent support from coaches, team mates and family. It can be daunting to do something and achieve on your own so a lot of support is sometimes needed. There are lots of athletes who attend events with their PAs. The club I attend is accessible to all- even athletes who are non verbal. Everyone is given opportunities to compete at whatever level or alibilty. At the games, even athletes in cradles were competing. Autism doesn’t need to stop you achieving what you want.

What advice would you give to people who want to get into skiing?

It may seem hard at first but as soon as you get off the nursery slopes you develop the skill very quickly and its easier to advance and improve skills.

How have Autism West Midlands supported you over the years?

I to come to all of the autism west midlands groups when I was younger. I had lots of support and there was also support for my younger siblings.

What impact has this achievement had on you?

The Special Olympics has given me a purpose in life. It has allowed me to go to new places and I have travelled many parts of Europe. I have achieved things I never imagined. There are lots of excellent opportunities for people that they wouldn’t normally get. With an 8-80 age limit it is all inclusive.

The national games coming up in two years time so the new team GB will be chosen then.

A message from Caroline, Anthony’s Mum…

As an autism mom this has given us lots of hope and opportunities as a family to achieve great things we never thought we’d be able to access.

At the beginning when we first got a diagnosis for Anthony we wouldn’t have believed that in the future we would have a son on Team GB and also a daughter with the potential to become an athlete. Its made all of our dreams come true!
Our journey with autism has been a real learning curve. There are lots of parents out there probably thinking where they can go and what to do but regardless of any diagnosis their child can achieve amazing things and I hope Anthony’s journey can showcase that.

Have hope!