I Have Another Ski Racing Hero
Back in December, I wrote an article titled, Parker Biele is My Hero, in which I expressed my admiration for this young ski racer who, against significant physical odds and bucking our somewhat inflexible U.S. ski racing culture, has continued to progress and find success at the ripe old age of 21 (written ironically). I […]
Read MoreAn Epidemic of Injuries in Ski Racing During the Covid-19 Pandemic?
I’m sure I’m not the only follower of all things ski racing to observe what appears to be a spate of serious injuries among World Cup stars and up-and-comers. It seems as if, every week, there is more than one article on skiracing.com describing both an inspirational victory by our favorite World Cupper along with […]
Read MoreMental Health Should be a Priority in Ski Racing
A number of occurrences compelled me to write this article. First, a growing number of professional athletes are coming forward with their own mental-health challenges in the hopes of destigmatizing mental illness and encouraging others who are struggling to seek help. Second, the Covid-19 crisis has seen an increase in mental-health issues, particularly among young […]
Read MoreIn This Challenging Ski Racing Season, a Time for Gratitude
It has certainly been a challenging 2020 for our ski racing community. In mid-March, Covid-19 through a wrench in the machinery of our sport’s plans, cancelling races and ending the season prematurely. The disruption continued through the summer as opportunities for on-snow training dwindled; in the U.S., only Mount Hood was able to accommodate racers. […]
Read MoreFive “Deep” Reasons You Don’t Ski Your Fastest When It Matters Most
In my work with ski racers, from juniors up to the World Cup, I, of course, introduce them to typical mental training techniques such as goal setting, mental imagery, positive self-talk, and routines. All are invaluable tools to help racers get the most out of their training and ski their fastest on race day. Yet, […]
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Holiday Discount on Online Courses for Athletes, Coaches, and Parents
In keeping with the spirit of giving for the holidays, I’m offering a 25% discount on all my online courses for ski racers, athletes, ski and sport coaches, and parents. To learn more about my courses, visit here, click on Online Courses from the top menu, and choose which courses you’re interested in. To get […]
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Parker Biele is My Ski Racing Hero
You might be asking, “Who the heck is Parker Biele and why does she deserve hero status?” Or, you might be asking, “I know Parker Biele and why the heck does she deserve hero status?” In either case, I’ll answer your question shortly. But first, I want to explain what inspired me to write this […]
Read MoreThe Norwegians Prove that Team Culture Matters
Because ski racing isn’t a team sport in the usual sense of the word, less attention is given in our sport, compared to traditional team sports such as soccer or hockey, to the role of team culture on how individual racers perform. The simple reality of ski racing is that how you ski on race […]
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When Coaches and Parents Work Together The Kids Win
Being a ski coach is a tough job. There is everything you need to know about conditioning, technique, tactics, equipment, and, of course, the mind. There are the logistics of organizing training, travel, and races for a group of athletes, and adapting to the ever-changing conditions inherent in ski racing. There are also the not-very-fun […]
Read MoreChange Your Perceptions, Ski Faster
As the winter approaches, I’ve been working with a number of racers, from U16s up to World Cuppers. Of course, I’ve introduced them to the immense value of traditional mental training tools such as self-talk, imagery, and routines. At the same time, a real emphasis in my work this summer and fall has been on […]
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