Elouise Stewart is getting ready to travel to Austria on March 12 to compete in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games.

One of 108 Canadian athletes, Stewart will make the journey to compete in one of nine disciplines over eight days. Twelve Canadians ( six men/six women) make up the Cross Country Ski Team where Stewart will compete in classic and skate (free) ski disciplines.

Cross country skiing since she was a kid, Stewart took a long break after a hairline fracture to C2 and C3 vertebrae in her neck. Combating her fears, Stewart has risen to the challenge and proved how hard work and discipline pay off.

Four years ago, Stewart left Pyeongchang, South Korea with one gold and two silver medals. Training hard since the last games, Stewart is feeling strong and at the top of her sport.

"I did a race last Saturday (February 25) and I have my last race this Saturday (March 4) and I have had a good training season this year throughout the summer as well as this winter. So I believe that I am peaking at the right time. I have a good feeling about these games."

Stewart is not sure who her toughest competition will be but says generally the strongest athletes she competes against are from the European countries. Divisioned, based on your abilities, Stewart competed in the highest division F1 at the last games, the highest division for females.

At the last games, Stewart just competed in classic skiing and this time is looking forward to skate skiing as well.

"It is very different from classic skiing, I really do like skate skiing but if I want to go for an easier ski then classic is good for that. Skate skiing is a lot more cardio, a lot more to it, and a lot more balance."

While excited, Stewart says this is the time when anxiety sets in.

"I am overwhelmed and a little anxious at this time as you are getting all your last minute emails and all that you have to do, I know once I get there and get on the plane I will settle down, and then I can use that adrenaline for my races."

There won't be a lot of time for Stewart to prep once she arrives, as the games kick off March 14 and run through to the 25th. Besides a great experience, Stewart is hopeful to climb the podium again.

"I am just hoping to have a really good time there, do my best, able to support my fellow athletes, and of course bring home a medal or two if I can."