South Side Speed Skater Tommy Shimoda Wins Gold in Special Olympics Winter Games

CHICAGO, IL -- South Sider Tommy Shimoda is taking home a gold medal after winning in Thursday’s 500m speed skating event at the Special Olympics 2017 World Winter Games.

Shimoda, 24, was the only athlete from Chicago to qualify for the 2017 Winter Games in Austria, clocking in at 01:11.035. Last month, he earned two gold and one silver medal in speed skating in the Special Olympics Games.

Shimoda spends countless hours on the ice each week, mastering drills that develop speed, balance and efficiency. He began participating as an athlete at Mount Greenwood Park at the age of six and has played numerous sports, including floor hockey and horseback riding.