Sochi, Russia – The sign above the door read “Ski Like a Champion.” Erik Arvidsson had taped it there the night before the opening event of the FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships in Sochi. A few weeks earlier, Arvidsson and his teammates had visited the Lake Placid locker room that sent the 1980 Team USA … Continue reading Behind the Gold: The Power of a Team
Park City, UT – It was a poignant scene at the bottom of the Park City halfpipe last weekend at the U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix. Standing there with a big smile on her face was Kelly Clark, who 14 years ago had hoisted her Burton snowboard in the air as an 18-year old Olympic champion. Today, … Continue reading Behind the Gold: Establishing a Teenaged Legacy
Aspen, CO – Snowboardcross is one of the most nail-biting of all Olympic sports. Six athletes line up side by side to vault themselves through a crazy course of bumps, banks, berms and massive jumps – all with their rivals just an elbow away. “I still get rattled every time I’m in the start,” says Lindsey … Continue reading Risks and Rewards: The Story of Snowboardcross
Gresham, OR – Set in the shadow of the towering Eiger, the Lauberhorn downhill vaults perilously through undulating Swiss cow pastures for over two miles. Its broad, sweeping turns through the upper snowfields belie the steep pitches to come. As you hit the Hanneggschuss – already nearly two minutes into the course – your legs are … Continue reading Behind the Gold: Bill Johnson
Flachau, Austria – Every day like clockwork, there she was – riding the cardio bike and stretching her body to regain mobility, looking for a way to ease her pain. It’s a lonely atmosphere mid-winter at the USSA Center of Excellence in Park City, Utah. Most athletes are off globetrotting the world tour. Back home, the days … Continue reading Behind the Gold: Lila Lapanja
Obserstdorf, Germany – Meet Olympian Sophie Caldwell. She’s the one who stands out in the room as the composed young woman – the one with poise. Quiet and maybe a bit understated, almost studious. Her eyes connect with you, and you feel comfortable in her midst. Fast forward to a cross country sprint track – those … Continue reading Behind The Gold: Carrying On a Family Tradition
Val Gardena, Italy – It was mid-afternoon at Val Gardena in the Italian Dolomites. The sun was dropping behind the Sassolungo massif, creating even more shadows along the Saslong downhill. In Santa Cristina, bands were playing as Italy celebrated downhill champion Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway. It was well over two hours since the start. The … Continue reading Behind the Gold: Mastering Your Craft
