Whitehorse cross-country skier Owen Munroe returned last weekend with three medals from the Special Olympic World Winter Games.

"It was just all about trying my best and working hard," Munroe said in an interview Wednesday. "I am really proud.

"It was a new adventure. I've never been to the World's," said the 21-year-old who was the only Yukoner to represent Canada at the Games.

Munroe started his medal parade in Boise, Idaho a week ago yesterday with a third-place finish in the one-kilometre classic race, completing the distance in four minutes and 44.98 seconds.

Roman Soltys of Ukraine squeezed Munroe out of silver by just four one-hundredths of a second.

The Whitehorse Olympian followed his bronze performance later that day with a tie for fourth place in the three-kilometre classic, in a time of 15 minutes and three seconds.

As part of Canada's relay team in the 4 x 1 kilometre relay last Friday, Munroe earned a second bronze medal.

"We had 113 Canadian athletes," he said of the national team, adding his marvel for the opening ceremonies to welcome 6,000 athletes from more than 100 participating countries.

The Idaho Centre where the ceremonies were held was huge, he said.

"It looked like it could fit all of Whitehorse."

Munroe earned a spot on the national team after local success sent him to last winter's nationals in Quebec City, where he took home gold in the five kilometre, along with fourth place finishes in the three and 2.5 km events.

Preparing for Boise involved a lot of endurance and cardio work under the direction of his coach Leah Greenway, personal fitness trainer Adam Thompson and sport psychologist Tracey Bilsky.

"It was a lot of hard work."

Munroe's father also recommended his son use weights on his skis for training, and take Bee Pollen as a natural nutritional supplement.

"I took one at breakfast and one at lunch. It gives you energy and strength."

Munroe plans to continue the hard work with his sights set on the 2011 Summer World Games in Athens, Greece.

"They showed part of it at the closing ceremonies," he said of footage from the birthplace of the Olympics. "Greece is a beautiful place, a magnificent place."

Munroe will be training for the 400-metre sprint race, and possibly the running long-jump.

He'll be attending the B.C. provincials this summer in Abbotsford, with hopes of earning a trip to the national Summer Games in London, Ont. next year.

"Just maybe I might make it to Greece. I might not."

But try he will.

He may even be back in 2013 to defend his medals at the next Winter Games, for which a host city has not yet been selected.

"I have a lot of time. I am still young."