DesaRae Nickell of Morehead, Kentucky, became a Special Olympics athlete 14 years ago. For 12 of those years, she has competed in Alpine skiing and will now get to showcase her skills in the sport with Special Olympics USA. An athlete leader, DesaRae has met many new friends and had new experiences on and off the playing field. Through Special Olympics, she has gained confidence and learned to overcome the adversities she once faced. Now, she serves as a mentor to new Special Olympics Kentucky athlete leaders.
In 2023 and 2024, she won the title of Kentucky Miss Amazing, a pageant that celebrates the abilities of girls and women with disabilities. As a lover of travel and active adventure, DesaRae has gone sky diving and trains in karate. Being from a small town, she looks forward to representing where she comes from on a world stage.