.aesthetic talk
CHELSEA WERNER
*In The First Place
forward Hannah Rose Prendergast
interview Alban E. Smajli
Chelsea Werner has a flair for gymnastics. By that, I mean she’s known to nail her routine in front of an audience, so much so that they call her “Showtime.”
Growing up in the Bay Area as part of an athletic family, Chelsea tried a few sports, but gymnastics was the one that stuck. Progress came gradually at first, though she ultimately thrived in the competitive environment, thanks to a coach who treated her like any other gymnast.
In 2012, Chelsea won her first gold medal at the USA Special Olympics and claimed the title for four consecutive years. Naturally, it wasn’t long before the decorated athlete took a shine to modelling. With her bright blue eyes, beaming smile, and fearless attitude, it’s clear the camera loves Chelsea Werner as much as we do.
LE MILE Magazine, AGE OF CHANGE Nr. 37
Fall/Winter 2024-25
Chelsea Werner photographed by Manon Clavelier
top KENZA LATRIDES
collar AMBUSH
shorts ÖCTAGON
bag COPERNI
shoes + earrings FASHION ARCHIVE
“Every gymnastics skill I learn takes me much longer to achieve than other gymnasts. I require much more repetition to master any new skill. Some of my skills have taken five years to achieve.”
Chelsea and Lisa Werner speak with Alban E. Smajli
first published: LE MILE Magazine - AGE OF CHANGE, Issue Nr. 37
sunglasses AMBUSH
boots FASHION ARCHIVE
top ÖCTAGON
shirt AMBUSH
coat HELMUT LANG
Alban E. Smajli
Chelsea, you have broken so many barriers in gymnastics and beyond. What initially inspired you to take up gymnastics, and did you ever imagine you'd achieve such heights?
Chelsea & Lisa Werner
I started Special Olympics gymnastics when I was 8. I loved being part of a team and having teammates. I especially loved the competitions and having the crowd cheering for me. I was just having fun and had no idea I would ever become a World Champion gymnast.
Winning the World Championships in gymnastics three times is an incredible feat. Congratulations on all the success! Can you walk us through what it felt like to stand on that podium for the first time?
For most of my gymnastics career, I have competed in USA Gymnastics. I train and compete with gymnasts who have no disabilities. For many years, I always took last place. I rarely ever got an award. It was usually only once a year that I got to compete in Special Olympics.
When I won my first World Championship in London, I felt like I was in a dream. I was very emotional when they raised the United States flag and played my national anthem.
Your journey is not just about winning medals but also about challenging perceptions. What has been the most significant challenge you’ve faced as an athlete with Trisomy 21, and how did you overcome it?
Individuals born with Down Syndrome have low muscle tone. We can improve it, but it takes a lot of work. Every gymnastics skill I learn takes me much longer to achieve than other gymnasts. I require much more repetition to master any new skill. Some of my skills have taken five years to achieve.
Gymnastics demands immense physical and mental strength. Can you share a particularly tough moment in your career and how you pushed through it?
My biggest challenge happened last year. I had my first mental block. This is not uncommon in gymnastics. Many gymnasts quit gymnastics when this happens. After tumbling for over 15 years, I couldn’t tumble at all.
It took many months to get over it. I had to go back and relearn how to do even the simplest tumbling. My coach was very patient and persistent with me. I got my tumbling back just in time for my third World Championship in South Africa.
You’ve become a role model for many. Your achievements have paved the way for future generations. What advice would you give to young athletes with disabilities who are just starting out?
I would say to be proud of every little accomplishment. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Focus on your own goals and find a coach who believes in your goals along with you.
The upcoming theme for LE MILE is "AGE OF CHANGE." How do you see your role in advocating for more inclusivity and recognition for athletes with disabilities?
Thanks to social media, athletes with disabilities are finally getting recognized. I get recognized all over the world as a result of social media. I am one example of what an individual with a disability can achieve as an athlete. Hopefully, I am opening some doors for up-and-coming athletes with disabilities. We all need and deserve the same opportunities to reach our full potential.
Aside from gymnastics, you’ve also pursued modeling and advocacy. How do these different aspects of your career complement each other?
I have been performing in front of cameras and crowds for a long time. I am very comfortable in front of a camera. The modeling world is becoming more diverse, but models with disabilities are still underrepresented. I am trying to change this and advocating for more representation.
If you could change one thing about the gymnastics world to make it more inclusive, what would it be?
I would love to see more individuals with disabilities included in gymnastics. When I compete in USA Gymnastics, I am always the only one with a disability. I am seeing and hearing that a wave of up-and-coming gymnasts with Down Syndrome is on their way! Many of the parents say that it is a result of seeing my achievements. That makes me so happy!
Looking ahead, what are your dreams and goals for the next phase of your career, both in and out of gymnastics?
I usually don’t think too far in advance. I live more in the present. For now, I still love gymnastics and modeling. In the future, I would love to help teach young girls gymnastics!
dress KENZA LATRIDES
others FASHION ARCHIVE
all FASHION ARCHIVE
“The modeling world is becoming more diverse, but models with disabilities are still underrepresented. I am trying to change this and advocating for more representation.”
Chelsea and Lisa Werner speak with Alban E. Smajli
first published: LE MILE Magazine - AGE OF CHANGE, Issue Nr. 37
all FASHION ARCHIVE
credits
talent CHELSEA WERNER
seen MANON CLAVELIER
styled CLAUDE PAYEN DE LAPIERRE
produced MELANY COHEN
make up CHARLOTTE NGUYEN
hair MIWA MOROKI
nails MAËLWENN LOBBÉ
fashion assistant KATERYNA DUDCHENKO
light technician CAMERON KOSKAS
digital operator VASSILI BOCLÉ
fashion director GINEVRA VALENTE
artistic director ALBAN E. SMAJLI
Special thanks
Lisa Werner, Jéremy Charolais, Nathalie Dersoir, Bienvenu, and all the Stade Charléty staff
