Skiing, racing and all the space in between
Transformative athletic experiences—the ones we all hope our kids get from sports—involve much more than mastering technique and tactics. Great coaches and programs create a positive culture, value relationships before results, set up a supportive team dynamic, and connect with athletes as people first.
The experiences of these NCAA turned World Cup athletes offer insight on how to make the most of collegiate ski racing, a precious and uniquely American resource. We would be wise to take notes!
Robby Kelley’s custom made Redneck Racing summer schedule is heavy on hard work and creativity and extremely light on the Dijon.
When used as a flexible guide, performance bands are helpful tools. When applied rigidly, however, they can become tourniquets, cutting off the vital flow of talent and experience.
For a moment at least, ski racing season is over. With the end of this season our family officially moves beyond children’s racing, and into the FIS zone. It’s a little bit of many things: scary, exciting, sad. It’s sad in part because this time of year—when the mad skiing scramble that consumes every bit of our spare time abruptly ends— always leaves me feeling a bit empty and, in every respect, spent. But, this … » read more
What has not changed on the Ski World Cup since 1967 is the sheer drama of the sport, and the spirit of the people who pursue it.
He believed in us when few people did, and treated us like champions despite all suggestions to the contrary. He made every one of us feel worthy when we didn’t feel it ourselves, and took personal responsibility for reminding us how to laugh.
Reinforcing bad technique is like doubling down on a bad bet. In reality, it’s often better—though counterintuitive—to slow down, take a breath, assess the territory and proceed with deliberate steps.
What if US Skiing gave women the college try? The Dartmouth Carnival is around the corner, and it marks the heart of the carnival season. It’s always an inspiration to see such a high-level ski competition up close. It wasn’t long ago that guys like David Chodounsky, Jonathan Nordbotton and Robby Kelley—all of whom will be racing in the upcoming World Championships in St Moritz—were dicing turns at the Dartmouth Skiway vying for their respective … » read more
In case you missed it, Robby Kelley showed the world what’s he’s made of this week. The Cochran Clan, Vermonter, Redneck Racer, Catamount, US Ski Teamer when it suits him, ski racer to the core was on his way to a breakthrough World Cup finish in Schladming. Making it to the second run in a World Cup slalom is a minor miracle. Making it down both runs full tilt is divine. Kelley was almost there. … » read more