Gretchen Winter of Palmer, Alaska, has trained and competed with Special Olympics for nine years. She has participated in Alpine skiing, athletics, basketball, snowshoeing and volleyball. At the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, Gretchen will represent Special Olympics USA in athletics. In 2022, Gretchen represented Alaska in the Special Olympics USA Games in athletics.
A certified Special Olympics International Health Messenger, she was trained to serve as a health and wellness leader, educator, advocate and role model within her Special Olympics community and the community at large. Gretchen is an avid runner and has run eight half marathons.
In 2017, Gretchen graduated from a three-year program at Shepherds College in Union Grove, Wisconsin. She is now employed as a greeter at Home Depot. In her spare time, Gretchen reads, watches movies and attends concerts. Gretchen is proud to represent her German heritage and the state of Alaska in competition.