Chelsea Werner, the four-time Special Olympics champion with Down syndrome adds runway model to her resume.
When gymnast and model Chelsea Werner took her first steps onto the runway at New York Fashion Week, she wasn’t just debuting a designer look–she was redefining who is seen in fashion. A four-time U.S. Special Olympics National Champion and three-time World Champion in gymnastics, Werner has built a life around proving what’s possible. She’s brought that same energy to the New York, Milan, and Paris fashion week catwalks, walking for Milan-based designer Chona Bacaoco.
Werner’s story began far from the fashion world. After she was diagnosed with Down syndrome, doctors told her parents she would likely have low muscle tone and limited athletic ability for the rest of her life. They enrolled her in gymnastics at the age of four to help her develop her strength.
Within four years, she was training for the Special Olympics and winning. She mastered routines from the ground up, eventually earning multiple national titles and three international championships. Gymnastics is her way of showing others how much is possible for athletes with the disorder.
Her drive and grace soon caught the eye of the fashion world. H&M flew her to Havana for a campaign, and she later appeared on the covers of Teen Vogue (2018) and Dazed Magazine (2019). Brand collaborations with Aerie, Tommy Hilfiger, Target, Summersalt Swimwear, Girlfriend Collective, and Women’s Best followed, eventually leading to representation by We Speak Model Management, a top agency for diverse and inclusive talent. On Instagram, where she now has nearly 400,000 followers, she uses her platform to share positive messages of diversity, hope, and inclusion.
“After New York, I felt much more comfortable in Milan and Paris. I knew what to expect. My gymnastics experience helped a lot.“
Her latest triumph—the triple-city runway debut for Chona Bacaoco—proved another milestone. Werner’s final look in Paris became her favorite. “I was gifted my first dress I wore in New York! I was also gifted another beautiful outfit I wore at a photoshoot at the Eiffel Tower,” she said.
The experience wasn’t without pressure. “Since the rehearsal was canceled in New York, that added to my stress,” said Werner. “I was excited and nervous at the same time.”
Still, her background as an elite athlete served her. “After New York, I felt much more comfortable in Milan and Paris. I knew what to expect. My gymnastics experience helped a lot. I’m used to performing under pressure.”
When asked about her personal style, she described it as “comfortable, sporty, and editorial.” “When I’m not modeling, I love to be comfortable,” she said.
Werner first connected with Chona Bacaoco through Instagram. “Something popped up showing a designer at the Cannes Film Festival showing a model that had Down syndrome. I looked at the profile and saw that the designer was an advocate for diversity. I also saw she was going to be at NYFW. My mom reached out, and we scheduled a call.”
“My favorite sites were the Duomo in Milan and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. My favorite foods were pizza in Milan, fondue and pastries in Paris.“
Between shows, Werner found moments of joy. “There really wasn’t very much downtime,” she said. “When I had free time, I loved talking with the other models.” Those models, she added, “really helped backstage with timing and what to have with me.”
She soaked up the experience in each fashion capital. “My favorite sites were the Duomo in Milan and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. My favorite foods were pizza in Milan, fondue and pastries in Paris.”
When asked what advice she’d give to other first-time models, Werner didn’t hesitate. “Practice walking in heels, practice your walk, stay relaxed, and most importantly, have fun,” she said.
Werner’s journey from Special Olympics champion to international runway model isn’t just a personal victory. It’s a statement on how fashion can evolve when diversity and authenticity take center stage. “I’m always open to all brands that support and represent diversity,” she said. Werner reminds the industry that inclusion isn’t a trend—it’s a celebration.
All images courtesy of Chelsea Werner and Lisa Werner.
