“I always was a competitive person who loves challenges more than anyone, and it all started here, at our Whiteface Mountain, where the Olympic spirit arises. I wasn’t older than 8 when I knew I wanted to be just like my idol, Herman Maier. His aggressive skiing style was my definition of ski racing. I kept a picture of him right above my bed, waking up every morning with this Olympic dream.
“Looking back on my career, I can say that it was a ‘hell of a ride.’ Ski racing comes with a lot of commitment and sacrifice. Throughout my 12-year professional career, I had 11 surgeries. I had to fix multiple ACL, spinal, Achilles, knee, and shoulder injuries. Having the ability to stay positive and believe that I was going to come back stronger was my driving force to prevail through adversity.
“They say, ‘From every low, there arises a high,’ and if I can say anything about that, I’d say that nothing is more rewarding than finding your way out of hell by yourself. I will always remember my first time racing in Hahnenkam, Kitzbühel. I started 51 and finished 21st, and the result catapulted my speed career to the next level, allowing me the chance to compete with the best in the world. My most memorable moment was qualifying for the 2018 Olympic Team. The opportunity to represent your country and, to walk in the opening ceremony as a team and compete for your country was a childhood dream. It makes all the sacrifices and the dark times worth it, and I will forever be grateful for it.
“Even though my life revolved significantly around skiing, I am proud to have finished my business degree after retiring from racing and building the ski program at Northwood School.
“I am also part of the World Cup Dreams Foundation, a project I am proud of, and our goal is to guide student and athletic goals and raise funds for our nation’s best top-level athletes to ensure they are not lost to the cost of sport.
“Despite all my skiing success, my biggest achievement in life is, and will always remain, my wife, Claire, who in a couple of months will be the mother of my child.”
As told to Lea Lambert ’24. Photo: courtesy of World Cup Dreams Foundation.
