Jason Donovan has claimed a silver medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Schladming, Austria, last month.
His medal was in division nine of the men's advanced giant slalom.
"It was really exciting," he said about his medal success on a course that was physically and technically demanding.
"I felt very proud of myself.
"All the hard work leading up to the event definitely paid off."
Jason, 30, from Raumati Beach, was part of a 13-strong New Zealand team, comprising 10 skiers and three snowboarders, who achieved 18 medals between them.
Jason spent a long time training for the international event, which is held every four years.
"I really want to thank all the people who have supported me to get the the World Winter Games."
Some of the people who helped Jason included physiotherapist Sam Martin from TBI Health who helped him with gym workouts as well as treatment to an injured left knee, IDEA Services support worker Mackenzie Baird who helped increase his fitness via walks and swimming, and family friend Kerry Honey who went on bike rides with him.
It is Jason's second silver medal at the Special Olympics World Winter Games after he claimed a silver medal in the men's advanced slalom eight years ago in Boise, Idaho.
Jason, who was also followed by an ESPN sports news crew who came to New Zealand to do a preview of him, is now focusing on Ski Week competitions at Cardrona and Mt Ruapehu.
And he has turned his attention to a golf competition in Taupo this weekend in which he hopes to qualify for the Special Olympics National Summer Games to be held in Wellington later this year.