Erin Thom - Special Olympics Gold Medalist
Erin was born and raised in Cranbrook and is the youngest child of Richard and Joanne Thom. Erin has always been involved in sport and loves to compete. In 1992, Erin was introduced to the Special Olympics program where she has competed in Alpine Skiing, Bowling, Soccer, Softball and Swimming.
In 1994, Erin took park in her first Regional qualifier in Alpine Skiing. From that time Erin has participated in 4 Regional Summer and 4 Regional Winter qualifiers; 3 Special Olympic Provincial Summer and 4 Special Olympic Provincial Winter Games; 3 Special Olympic National Winter and 3 Special Olympic World Winter Games. At the 1996 Special Olympic National Games in Calgary, Erin brought home three Gold Medals (Giant Slalom, Super G, and Downhill) and one silver (Slalom). At the 2000 Special Olympic National Winter Games in Ottawa, Erin won four Gold Medals (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G, and Downhill).
At the 2008 Special Olympic National Winter Games in Quebec City, Erin won one Gold Medal (Super G) and two Bronze Medals (Slalom and Downhill). On the World stage at the 1997 Special Olympic World Winter Games in Toronto, Erin brought home Gold in Downhill skiing. At the 2001 Special Olympic World Winter Games in Anchorage, Alaska, Erin won one Gold (Downhill) and two Silver (Slalom and Giant Slalom).
At the 2009 Special Olympic World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, Erin won a Bronze Medal in Slalom.