Melissa Koenig earns silver in Winter World Masters Games

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Performing outdoor activities can be a fun and relaxing hobby, but mastering a sport and competing internationally is what Melissa Koenig achieved. Koenig, director of instructional technology in DePaul's Center for Teaching and Learning, won four silver medals in speed skating at the Winter World Masters Games in Austria last month.

“The Winter World Masters Games was the first time I skated internationally," she says. “To be a 'master,' you have to be more than 30-years-old. There were 28 women ranging from 30 to 65 in one grouping for this competition, which is unique."

Koenig competed in the 500, 1,000 and 1,500 meter races, and in a mixed gender relay race.

“It was pretty cool," she says of the competition's inclusive structure. “My highest placement overall was 13 for the 1,000."

Koenig began speed skating in 2003 with her son, who have since practiced and competed together. While the Winter World Masters Games wasn't in the plans for Koenig, the group she trains with originally planned to participate.

“We signed up, and then the folks who initiated our trip bailed," she laughs. “But we started planning a year ​ahead and officially signed up over the summer, so I thought, 'let's just do it.'"

For Koenig, the experience goes beyond winning a medal or two.

“It's inspiring to know you worked hard and were able to compete on this enormous stage with people from around the world," she says.

For more than 30 years, the Winter World Masters Games has played host to thousands of athletes as the world's biggest winter sports festival. Learn more about the games online.