Another Death in Our Ski Racing Family
It was almost 7 years ago that I wrote about the death of two ski racers, David Poisson, a French downhiller, and, closer to home, Max Burkhart, a German athlete who was attending Sugar Bowl Academy, where my daughters used to go to school and where I was a long-time member of its Board of […]
Read MoreNow is the Time to Start Your Mental Training for Ski Racing
It happens every winter. In December, January, and February, I get calls from national team athletes and parents of young racers who are struggling mentally in their ski racing, and they have big races coming up. They want me to somehow fix them quickly. Though I think I’m pretty good at what I do, I’m […]
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You Blew Your First Run..Now What About Your 2nd Run
In my last article, I explored the psychological challenges of having a fast first run and then trying to duplicate it in your second run to have a fast race. In this article, I focus on the inverse, namely, having a poor first run and wanting to salvage the race (even if it’s just a […]
Read MoreHow Do You Respond to ‘The Grind’ of Fall Training?
It’s late September which means two things. You are in the middle of the fall training block in which you are engaged in an intensive physical conditioning program or are starting to get on snow in Europe for early-season skiing, or both. The next few months before race season will be physically and mentally challenging […]
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Nice Article about Mental Training Among Elite Athletes
I was recently interviewed for an article in Outside magazine on the growing role of mental training among elite athletes. The article provides a nice overview of why elite athletes are seeking out mental coaches and sport psychologists. It also describes who these professionals do and what separates those who are qualified from those who […]
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Let’s All Give Mikaela a Warm Hug and a Big Thanks
Mikaela Shiffrin’s results at the Beijing Olympics were not what we were all hoping for (least of all Mikaela herself!). At the same time, I have no doubt that, after some sadness and soul searching, she will be back stronger, better, and faster than ever. It’s easy in these situations to analyze, evaluate, and critique […]
Read MoreWhat’s Right about U.S. Ski Racing
I’ve been involved in U.S. ski racing for—Yikes!—more than 50 years. I started as a “Chipmunk” at Mad River Glen, then moved on to the Valley Junior Racing Club (at then Glen Ellen, pre-GMVS), Burke Mountain Academy, Middlebury College, the University of Colorado, and even two seasons on the old pro tour. Since then, I’ve […]
Read MoreThe Secret to Mikaela Shiffrin’s Success
Sports Illustrated just published a great read about Mikaela Shiffrin that describes not only a significant shift in mindset she made that helped her overcome her pre-race anxiety, but also what has made her so successful over the short, but brilliant, arc of your career. For any ski racer (or athlete) who aspires to be […]
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Mentally Preparing for Olympic Sports Success
I’m fortunate to be working with a handful of athletes from several countries preparing to compete in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea this month. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such remarkable athletes and to do my part in helping them to achieve their sports dreams and […]
Read MoreMentally Preparing for Olympic Ski Racing Success
I’m fortunate to be working with a handful of ski racers from several countries preparing to compete in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea this month. It is an honor and a privilege to work with such remarkable athletes and to do my part in helping them to achieve their ski racing […]
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