For more than two decades, Peter has watched his son Craig compete and grow through his involvement with Special Olympics Australia. From Craig’s first National Games in 2002 to three World Winter Games and countless competitions in between, Peter and his wife Margaret have been there every step of the way, as parents, volunteers and passionate supporters.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate the role parents and families play in an athlete’s journey. For Peter, that journey will continue this October, when he joins Craig at the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne, this time as Head Coach of NSW’s Football team.
From State to National and World Games, Craig’s achievements are proof of a lasting dedication and love for sport across all levels. Craig first joined Special Olympics Australia in 2001. He participated in a variety of sports with his club, Sydney South, including Swimming, Athletics, Basketball, Football and Snowboarding.
His father, Peter says, “His successes are due to the hard work he puts into his weekly training and the support from all of his coaches”. He gives a special mention to his club for the way they encourage all their athletes to achieve and do their best.
Craig first took the National stage at the 2002 Special Olympics Australia National Games in Sydney, where he competed in Athletics. Here, he won his first Gold medal in the 200m sprint, Silver in the High Jump, and Bronze in the 100m and 4x100 relay.
Then in 2013, he became the first Australian Special Olympics athlete to win a medal in a Wintersports competition, earning 3 Silver medals in snowboarding at the 2013 World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.
One of his career highlights was competing and winning Bronze in snowboarding at the 2017 World Games in Schladming, Austria. His father describes this as “especially magic as the Games were held in my home country.” A proud moment for the Muhlbock family.
In 2018, Craig had the opportunity to complete in the 2018 X Games in Aspen, Colorado, alongside Australian snowboarding legend, Scotty James, winning a bronze medal. Most recently, he competed at the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. This was Craig’s third World Winter Games, winning Gold in the Giant Slalom. His father calling this, “A true highlight of his Special Olympics career to date”.
His parents, Margaret and Peter, have been involved as volunteers in a variety of roles, from team assistants, coaching, fundraising and committee positions. As a family, they enjoy everything Special Olympics does for the athletes at all levels.
Peter says, “We are so proud of what Craig has achieved and are equally as proud of what many of our SO friends have achieved”. He continues, “As a family we have made many new long-term friends and have seen firsthand the positive impact SO has on people with a disability. Happy 50th Anniversary and long may it continue”.
This October, Craig is back representing Team NSW at the 2026 Special Olympics National Games in football, alongside his father, Peter, who has been appointed Head Coach for the team. For Peter, that’s definitely something to look forward to as we celebrate Father’s Day.
Until the end of 2026, we are sharing 50 stories that honour the people, moments, and memories that have made this movement what it is today, and everything it’s becoming.
This is… 13 of 50.
