Since 5-years-old, Ryan Goldacker has competed in the snow — from ice hockey and skating to now downhill skiing. He's been invited to world competitions and has so many medals from his wins over the years, he's lost count.
Now at 36, Goldacker is aiming to add to his collection at this weekend's New York Special Olympics held in Syracuse.
"Going for the gold," Goldacker said.
He's reaching high after training regularly for the winter games, but will enter the state olympics without a final practice under his belt. His last session this week was canceled amid wet and warm February weather. It's not the first athletic setback he had to overcome, and he said he's not letting it slow him down.
“Maybe a little bit heartbreaking, but not really,” said Goldacker, who has Down syndrome.
Goldracker has moved past bigger disappointments. He earned a spot on Team USA for the 2020 World Special Olympics, but the pandemic canceled the games.
“I was picked to go, but it’s not the end of the world,” Goldacker said.
Still, his father Rich Goldacker said it wasn't easy for him.
"(It was) a tough thing for him," he said. "He was supposed to go to Sweden the first time and then to Russia this year. We can only hope that he gets picked again."
Longtime Coach Tom Hall said he doesn't doubt Goldacker will make it again.
"The world games is really just a back burner for now — he's going to be going there. We have all the confidence that he'll be going there," said Hall, who has been working with Goldacker for 20 years.
A state winter games medal, Hall said, will be "icing on the cake."
Goldacker just has to beat out four other competitors. He's aiming for a time in the low 30-second range. His event scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday.