Chelsea Werner, a former gymnast who is now a model, is eliminating stereotypes about people with different abilities by pursuing her dreams and rising to popularity.

Chelsea was born with Down syndrome, a common genetic disease that causes intellectual and cognitive disabilities. Doctors advised Chelsea’s parents, Ray and Lisa Werner, that she would have low muscle tone and would struggle with any physical activity. After a failed soccer try, the family turned to gymnastics to assist Chelsea improve her muscles.

Lisa claims, “At first, we had no expectations. When we reflect on her early years, she actually didn’t show that much promise, but after we started working with a coach, she was treated just like the other gymnasts and put in the necessary hours. Every step of the way, we were amazed as she started to improve so quickly. We simply had no idea that she would pursue it to the extent that she has.

Chelsea’s early talent, according to gymnastics coach Dawn Pombo, was inadequate. Despite her physical constraints, she fought to walk one way and back on the balance beam while overjoyed. At first, strength was difficult. Simply put, her muscles were untoned.

Dawn urged Chelsea to push herself beyond her comfort zone because she was a willing student. Soon, she was doing back handsprings and improving on the floor and balance beam.

Chelsea faced a new challenge when the Northern California Special Olympics Committee canceled its gymnastics program in 2006. Chelsea’s training and travel expenditures must be handled by the family in some way. Unfazed, Ray founded Chelsea’s Quest, a humanitarian organization that assisted with fundraising and allowed Chelsea to compete in Special Olympics events as part of a one-person team.

Chelsea had continuously come last for three years, but it didn’t matter to her. It was at this point that she recognized what the lower score meant. That began a brand-new process of teaching her that if this was what she wanted, she would have to work harder.

Chelsea, like any other gymnast, began practicing diligently, and her efforts soon paid off. She won the International Down Syndrome Foundation World Championships as well as other national titles. She also appeared as a special guest at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s gymnastics finals. After previously battling to keep upright on the balancing beam, the girl achieved a level that many thought was unreachable.

Chelsea is now bringing that confidence and perseverance to the fashion industry. She was turned down by a few fashion agencies at first, but she didn’t give up. According to several modeling agencies I visited, there is no market for models with Down syndrome. My parents and I never give up. I’m showing them a real market!

We Speak ultimately discovered Chelsea on social media and reached her. We Speak promotes body acceptance and diversity by selecting attractive, healthy models with positive attitudes and distinguishing traits from all walks of life. She continues to pioneer the way for people of all abilities and backgrounds in the fashion industry, working alongside other Down syndrome models to promote inclusivity.

“I don’t believe there is adequate representation of people with Down syndrome. More people will become aware of our potential the more we are represented.

Chelsea claimed that when people see her competing in gymnastics or modeling, it can encourage them to believe in their own abilities. I frequently hear from parents who say that I offer them hope for their disabled children.

Since then, she has participated in ads for companies including H&M, Adidas, and Tommy Hilfiger and walked in New York Fashion Week. Chelsea is the ultimate sports and style rule-breaker and she demonstrates to us that anything is possible if you put your heart and soul into it.