JACKSON - Wyoming champion. Now, possibly, world champion.

Such are the monikers for Troy Bertsch, a cross-country ski racer from Cody.

Having won the 5-kilometer and 3-kilometer races in Teton Village at the Wyoming Special Olympics earlier this month, Bertsch, 28, earned a trip to the World Games in Japan.

"It keeps me in shape," Bertsch says.

He left for Japan on Sunday. The trip marks his second time on a plane.

Bertsch, at 6-foot-3, may have a competitive advantage.

"He's sheer power," said Cindy Collins, head winter coach of Cody Special Olympics. "Troy's an inspiration. He's very powerful, and he never quits."

The champion, who prefers not to wear his gold medals because "they rattle when I'm trying to go fast," is a champion off the track, too.

While waiting for his next race at Teton Village, Bertsch moved quickly over to the finish line where another of his teammates was about to cross the finish line.

"Here comes Tabitha!" he called, squinting to get a better view. "Come on! Come on!"

Bertsch trains in Cody, mainly on the trails between Yellowstone National Park and Pahaska Teepee. He excelled so quickly, Collins had to call in reinforcements.

"I have found some athletes I think can push him," she said, noting that Scott Robinson has been helpful in Bertsch's development. "I can't give him competition."

Robinson described Bertsch as a "natural athlete" who regularly "kicks my butt."

Marty Stannard, the Cody High School cross-country coach, as also helped develop Bertsch's skills.

As for the Olympian, Bertsch just enjoys getting out on the snow - a skill he has practiced since he was 8.

"I am trying to beat my last best time," he said. "I try to get myself excited."

Ever the competitive athlete, Bertsch admits to what he considers the most fun of racing: "winning."

Reporter Whitney Royster can be reached at (307) 734-0260 or at royster@trib.com.