U.S. Ski & Snowboard is highlighting HERoic trailblazers throughout our winter sports, both past and present. A HERoic trailblazer is a woman athlete who has gone above and beyond in her sport, moving the sport forward through grit and determination and inspiring the next generation of women athletes. 

Hannah Kearney, alumna of the Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team, is the epitome of a HERoic trailblazer. From her numerous accomplishments on the slopes to her work with the International Ski Federation (FIS), International Olympic Committee (IOC) and beyond, Hannah has changed the sport of moguls and paved the way for future generations of athletes. 

The Beginnings

Hannah’s story has been one of success from a young age. She was born and raised in Norwich, Vermont, and her parents quickly taught her to ski by the time she was two years old, using a horse halter as a harness. In high school, she found herself in state soccer and track championships while claiming four Junior World Championship titles in moguls. No matter what sport she set her mind to, she pushed herself and those around her to be their best. 

Once she started competing on the World Cup full-time during the 2003-04 season, she made an immediate impact. She secured her first World Cup podium in December of 2003, and by the end of the 2004-05 season, Kearney became a moguls World Champion. 

In 2006, Hannah made her first Olympics appearance as a gold medal hopeful but unfortunately did not make it past qualifications. In 2007, she suffered a significant knee injury and had to undergo surgery, but that didn’t stop her from returning to the slopes as soon as she was cleared. She persevered and had her most successful seasons yet, earning the 2009 moguls Crystal Globe. 

A Story of Perseverance

Leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Kearney won an Olympic trial event and changed her mindset and goals surrounding the Olympics. She knew to succeed, she would have to go into these games in a different headspace, leaving her past behind her. Hannah cemented herself in history at the 2010 Olympics when she won the gold medal with almost a whole point between her and second place. 

But she wasn’t done yet. Kearney accomplished the near impossible during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 World Cup seasons. She was unstoppable for more than a year, winning every competition she started from January 2011 to February 2012. Her 16 consecutive victories, beat Ingemar Stenmark’s record for the longest FIS World Cup winning streak across all disciplines, and the streak led her to her first World Cup overall Crystal Globe in 2011. That season, she also secured her second moguls Globe and two additional medals at World Championships. Despite suffering broken ribs, a lacerated liver and a punctured lung during a training run in 2012, Kearney set her mind to coming back stronger. Throughout the rest of her 13-year career, Hannah earned a bronze medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics, two more World Championships medals, seven more Globes and 16 additional World Cup wins, including a win in her final World Cup start before retiring in 2015.

A Lasting Legacy

As an athlete and in retirement, Hannah has been involved in her community and with the next generation of skiers. She has served as an athlete mentor, committee member with the IOC, co-chair of the FIS Athlete Commission, a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Trustee member and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation Athlete Gift Officer. All of these efforts are geared towards empowering the next generation of skiers and ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed. On top of this, Kearney is a personal trainer, starting her own business called Fitness from Afar during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to give those without equipment, trainers or facilities access to exercise routines for any ability level. She also just had a baby with her husband! Lula Max Morse was born on July 11, officially kicking off the next generation of moguls skiers.

Hannah is a champion of the winter sports community, and her story is an attestation to the power of determination, perseverance and drive. Kearney set the bar for the future of moguls skiers, and set it high. Her continued dedication to the community and future generations of athletes is inspiring, and her legacy will continue to impact the future of her sport for years to come. 

On Thursday, Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes got together with professional UFC fighters to flip, spin and spare at Woodward Park City.

The pro athletes spent the morning teaching each other tricks and tactics from their respective sports at Park City’s action sports facility and U.S. Ski & Snowboard partner Woodward. The skiers, made up of moguls, aerials and freeski athletes, worked with the fighters to teach them how to flip into foam pits and do tricks on the trampolines, while the fighters coached the skiers through punching, jabbing and kicking. Woodward coaches worked with both teams on their parkour course and took a few athletes skateboarding. There were lots of stunned looks and laughs as the athletes with very different specialties compared their skills and traded techniques.

This was the second year in a row that UFC has worked with U.S. Ski & Snowboard around their Salt Lake City PPV fight. Last year, fighters went off the water ramps at the Utah Olympic Park and spent time at the USANA Center of Excellence, and earlier this summer, number two fighter in the world Justin Gaethje came to the USANA Center of Excellence to try out the ski simulator with Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes.

The day wrapped with gear trades, autographs and new friendships, and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes will be cheering on the UFC fighters' teammates in the fights on Saturday. 

Participating athletes in the event are below:

UFC FIGHTERS
Maycee Barber
Miesha Tate
Kelvin Gastelum
Dan Ige
Brendan Allen
Belal Muhammad

STIFEL U.S. SKI TEAM ATHLETES
Quinn Dehlinger (freestyle aerials)
Alex Hall (freeski)
Hunter Hess (freeski)
Chris Lillis (freestyle aerials)
Kai Owens (freestyle moguls)
Nick Page (freestyle moguls)
Winter Vinecki (freestyle aerials)
Tom Wallisch (freeski – alumnus)

U.S. Ski & Snowboard is highlighting HERoic trailblazers throughout our winter sports, both past and present. A HERoic trailblazer is a woman athlete who has gone above and beyond in her sport, moving the sport forward through grit and determination and inspiring the next generation of women athletes. 

In the sport of cross country skiing, the pink-haired Kikkan Randall is a household name. She was the first American to win an Olympic gold alongside Jessie Diggins, the first American woman to win a Nordic World Championship medal and the first to win a World Champs gold, the first American woman to win a World Cup race and was the first American woman to ever win a World Cup overall discipline Crystal Globe. Wow.

Emerging as a trailblazer, a role model and an inspiring figure for all athletes for both her sport and her HERoic achievements of health and balancing a family, her relentless pursuit has left an indelible mark on cross country skiing and the Olympic movement. 

A Journey of Dedication

Randall’s journey to becoming one of the most dominant skiers started the day after she turned one year old. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, the home of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, she always knew that one day she wanted to be a skier. Growing up in Anchorage, Alaska, skiing ran in the family – Randall is the niece of two previous Olympians, Chris and Betsy Haines. Her name was partly inspired by Christina “Kiki” Cutter, the first American, man or woman, to win a FIS World Cup title in alpine skiing. She began skiing the day after her first birthday and, despite originally aspiring to be an alpine skier, she tried out cross country to stay in shape for running. As the story often goes – the rest is history. 

Career Highlights

The crowning moments of her career came in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. With one of the most electric finishing stretches of a race seen throughout Olympic history, Randall and teammate Jessie Diggins upset the favorites to win the gold medal in the team sprint. The historic medal marked the first-ever Olympic gold for the United States in cross country skiing and was a moment that catapulted the sport to the masses. 

Randall competed in five Olympics and made her Olympic debut at 19 years old in the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City. In 2006, she finished ninth, making history with the best Olympic result in cross country skiing by an American woman. Throughout her career, Randall kept tallying more historic feats, inspiring generations of athletes at the same time. 

But before she was crowned Olympic champion, Randall shattered records left and right as the first American woman to do almost everything in the sport. She is a three-time World Championship medalist, including becoming the first American woman to medal at the World Champs when she took second in the sprint in Liberec, Czech Republic in 2009. She also won the first World Championships gold medal in U.S. history with Diggins in 2013 in Val di Fiemme, Italy.

She also became the first American woman to finish in the top 10 in the World Cup in 2006 (and then went on to have 29 podiums throughout her career), was the first American woman World Cup winner (she had 13 wins in total) and was the first American woman to win a World Cup discipline title with the sprint Globe in 2012 (she won three Crystal Globes in total). 

Breaking Barriers

Randall became a mother just 22 months before the 2018 Olympic Games, and was the only mom on Team USA’s 2018 roster. Within a month of giving birth, she was back in training mode and that next season, she packed up her son to spend the winter on the road racing the World Cup. That season, she won a World Championship medal, and the next, an Olympic gold. 

But two months after winning her Olympic medal, Randall was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had six rounds of chemotherapy in the summer and fall of 2018 and had surgery in the fall. But she ended up on the other side and now is partnered with the American Cancer Society to raise funds to fight the disease, and has since run marathons and skied more kilometers than most can imagine. 

In addition to the American Cancer Society, her work outside of skiing continues to speak volumes. Randall is the President of Fast and Female, a women’s empowerment agency that encourages eight to 18-year-olds to become involved in sport. She advocates and works tirelessly with Protect Our Winters to spread the word about climate change. She also worked on the International Olympic Committee Athletes Commission, and was inducted into the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. She is a fierce advocate for creating opportunities for athletes to compete in cross country skiing, and her work has elevated the status of the sport and inspired generations of athletes. 

A Lasting Legacy

Randall stepped away from competitive skiing following the 2018 Olympics, but her legacy remains firmly embedded in the sport's history. She has left an enduring impact on cross country skiing, not only in the United States but also on the global stage, as well as for cancer survivors and mothers everywhere. 

Randall's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork and a relentless pursuit of dreams. As her story continues to resonate with aspiring athletes and fans alike, there is no doubt that her contributions to cross country skiing will continue to inspire and shape the future of the sport for years to come, yet, the biggest takeaway is that whoever decides to try out skiing, enjoys it to the fullest and maybe wears a little bit of pink.

The FIS Cross Country World Cup is making its way back to the States over Presidents' Day weekend, Feb. 17-19, 2024 and it's time to reserve your tickets! The Loppet Cup will offer three unique viewing options to experience all of the action and excitement at Wirth Park in Minneapolis, MN, and thanks to our co-host Share Winter, general admission tickets are free, with registration required. Loppet Cup attendees may reserve or purchase up to six ticket types per event day.

It's been over two decades since the last World Cup event in the U.S., but get ready to witness the best skiers in the world race not once but twice at the adrenaline-pumping Wirth Park, just minutes from the heart of downtown Minneapolis.

Minnesota's own Jessie Diggins is coming back stateside to race a World Cup in her home country for the first time in her career, along with fellow National team athletes, including Minneapolis resident Zak Ketterson. 

How to Secure Your Loppet Cup Tickets

There are three ticket options for the Loppet Cup: general admission, grandstand and VIP spectator experience. You must reserve your tickets, even if they are free general admission.

Tickets:

1. General Admission (free): Provides entry into the park during the event and multiple viewing opportunities around the course. No seating is provided. Thanks to Share Winter, general admission is free and open to the public.

2. Grand Stand ($75 for adults, $35 for youth): Provides entry into the park during the event plus access to bleacher seating near the finish line. 

3. VIP Spectator Experience ($500): Provides access to grandstand seating plus a heated suite, full food and beverage service, and more. Click here for more information.

Check out the ticket options and frequently asked questions, here. 

The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team’s recent fundraiser in Vail, Colo. raised upwards of $229,000 for alpine team programming. The event was hosted by long time trustees Karen and John Arnold.

The night was filled with enlightening conversations, cocktails and warm summer weather bringing in some of the team’s top athletes including Tommy Ford, Bridger Gile, Katie Hensien, Breezy Johnson, Paula Moltzan, Kyle Negomir, and  Nina O’Brien. 

“Going to school in Vail and training on gold peak every day I got a lot of support from the people of Vail,” said Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Bridger Gile. “The people of Vail love ski racing and love to help kids achieve their dreams in the sport of skiing, to see the support that the Vail Valley has for ski racing makes it all worth it.”

Thanks to the Arnold’s matching gifts, the event exceeded its original goal of $150,000. The list of donors included trustees of the team, local ski fans, parents of athletes and alumni. A great representation of the strong alpine community. 

These gifts further develop the team’s mission of developing our talented athletes in their pursuit of excellence in skiing, and to compete at the highest level and represent our country on the international stage. The support helps provide the necessary resources, training opportunities and coaching to allow our athletes to reach their full potential on and off the mountain.

Tim Baucom, a wax technician for the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team is moving onto the next chapter. For years, Tim’s expertise has played an integral role in the teams’ success on the World stage, including World Cups, World Championships and the Olympics. His meticulous attention to detail and knowledge has undoubtedly contributed to the countless victories and remarkable skiing from our athletes. Beyond his technical prowess, his positive attitude, unwavering support and friendliness has been a constant motivation for not only the athletes, but everyone involved in the sport. As he embarks on the next chapter, there are many things to miss and we thank him for the hundreds - if not thousands - of hours he devoted to the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. 

Now, we welcome another pro to our wax technician team. Leading the charge with the U.S. Snowboardcross Team for several seasons, Paul Choudoir has “been a friend to the team for many years,” said Chris Grover, the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team program director. Bringing years of experience, which included several World Cups, World Championships and the Olympics, Paul’s knowledge of the industry and ski racing will be invaluable as he joins our crew. "He brings a high level of experience in ski waxing, ski selection, and grinding coupled with professionalism, the ability to work under pressure, and passion for the sport," said Grover. "We are looking forward to the 23-24 season with Paul as an integral part of this program.” 

Thank you, Tim for your years of service and we look forward to Paul joining the team!

Quotes for Tim from current and former athletes, coaches and wax techs:

“While Tim’s departure will be a big loss for us, what he added to our team over the last eight years remains. He upped our professionalism, and helped develop our staff’s team culture into an environment people don’t want to leave. But there’s no doubt, I will miss his ever-smile and willing singing voice.” Matt Whitcomb, Head Coach of the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team

“I worked with Tim for the past two seasons and I had nothing but positive and fun times with him. Like all of our wax techs, he worked his ass off every single day and did everything he could to help the athletes he was working with have the best days and skis possible. He always kept a great attitude no matter the outcome and I feel truly grateful to have worked with him these past couple years and to have him as a friend now. I can't thank him enough for the impact he's had on our team.” JC Schoonmaker, athlete on the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team 

“It will be hard to adjust to not having Tim’s presence  Seems like there was more than one of him, he was always there. In the middle of it all. Helping, humble, calming, listening, and just always there. Yolanda will miss you as you drove her expertly and with care!” Eli Brown, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team wax technician. 

"Our XC team (i can say “OUR” by now) grew big in terms of number of athletes, and we needed to have more techs to take care of them, and that is when Tim came along. They were perfect duo in many ways and they brought fun and knowledge to our team. Throughout the years, Tim opened up even more - he was/is good balancer in many ways and the best bench mate I ever had. Yet, what is most important, is he gave everything he had, doing what he loved to do at that moment. I'm very grateful for that time/journey when Tim was part of our crew. I really hope that our paths will cross agin some day. Would be that on the same “road” or different one." Oleg Ragilo, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team wax technician.

“From the first time I met Tim when he was helping lead a trip when I was a U16, to spending four World Cup Seasons with him as my wax tech, Tim has always lead with kindness and generosity, followed by top tier waxing skills. Life on the road away from loved ones for an entire winter brought plenty of challenges for me, but I always knew I could count on Tim to show up with positivity and a calm energy, no matter the situation. Tim consistently shows up for many people on our team as a safe person—someone you know you can talk to about anything and feel accepted. It was Tim’s secure attitude and relaxed energy that got me through some of the tough races at the Beijing Olympics. He always has a way of making the most stressful situations feel under control—even when I’d cut it a little close with last minute wax changes, nearly missed my start, or had an awful race and just needed a hug. He always seemed to know what I needed as an athlete- though most importantly, as a human being, and that went a long way in getting me to the start line feeling prepared. The team is incredibly lucky to have Tim as a staff member, mentor, friend and leader. And don’t forget that he’s a wizard on the guitar with the voice of an angel.” Hailey Swirbul, former athlete on the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team 

Paralympian Zach Miller of the U.S. Para Snowboard Team has won an ESPY for “Best Athlete with a Disability” at the 2023 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, California. 

The ESPY Awards, known as the Oscars of sports, celebrate the outstanding achievements of athletes from around the world each year. Miller was nominated alongside sled hockey player Erica McKee, wheelchair racing and cross country athlete Aaron Pile and wheelchair racer Susannah Scaroni. 

Miller’s stellar performance in the 2022-23 season played a pivotal role toward winning the ESPY, having brought home three medals in three different disciplines at the 2023 World Championships in Georgia: gold in banked slalom, silver in dual banked slalom and bronze in snowboardcross. He now has five World Championship medals in total and is at the top of his game going into the 2023-24 season. 

Miller, a snowboarder in the SB-LL2 classification who specializes in dual banked slalom, has been an elite Para rider for years. First named to the U.S. Para Snowboard Team in 2019-20, Miller may be one of the youngest members of the national team but has already made a name by podiuming on the World Cup, at the World Championships and attending the 2022 Paralympics. 

“We are so excited for Zach for taking home an ESPY Award tonight,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Just recently, we re-introduced Para under our wing at U.S. Ski & Snowboard and it’s athletes like Zach that make me so excited for the future. What an incredible win tonight for him and the team—I can’t wait to see what’s next!”

"It’s an honor to receive such a prestigious award, and to be among some of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen! I want to thank everyone that rallied and voted for me; I’m very fortunate to have so much support. Without it, I would never have been able to live my dream and pursue snowboarding" Miller said after accepting his award. "I’ve been snowboarding for over 15 years now, and it’s been so awesome to see my dedication and perseverance finally paying off. These past few years have been very good to me and I’m excited for what the future holds!"

Just a few weeks ago, Miller could not even put being nominated for an ESPY into words—now he is walking away as a winner. His remarkable journey to the stage at the Dolby Theatre is one of perseverance, determination and strength and serves as an inspiration to any athlete who is chasing their dreams. 

Fellow U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team athlete and Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Mikaela Shiffrin also walked away with the Best Athlete - Women's Sports ESPY Award. 

Congratulations, Zach!

Two-time Olympic champion, seven-time World Champion and greatest skier of all time Mikaela Shiffrin was awarded an Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) Award for "Best Athlete - Women's Sports" on Wednesday, July 12, at the annual award ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. It was Shiffrin’s first ESPY Award.

Shiffrin has elevated women’s ski racing globally—both on and off the mountain. The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete is coming off a record-setting season, where she reset the record for most World Cup wins, surpassing long-time record holder and Swedish ski legend Ingemar Stenmark, who held the record since 1989. Shiffrin now holds 15 globes from her 13 seasons competing, along with winning five overall FIS Crystal Globes and ten discipline titles. On top of that, her 10 discipline globes lead all active skiers and her seven slalom titles hold the all-time record for a single discipline. 

Held annually, the ESPYs recognizes the top sport performances and athletes of the year. Millions of viewers tuned in to celebrate the best of the best in sport and celebrated the moments that rewrote history. Shiffrin beat out three other top athletes for the “Best Athlete - Women's Sports” award, including U.S. Women’s National Team and Portland Thorns soccer athlete Sophia Smith, star Polish tennis player Iga Świątek and Las Vegas Aces basketball player A’ja Wilson. 

"It's such a pleasure and such an honor to be part of this event. Thank you ESPN again for putting on such a great show - it's been so great to meet everybody," said Shiffrin in her speech after accepting the award. "I just honestly... I have a whole stack of people that I would have to thank for literally getting me to where I am today, through failure and through success, it's been a long journey, and it's not over yet. But I really have to say thank you to my family, my friends, Aleks, my brother, my sister in law who are here tonight as well, my team and coaches. 

"This season was incredible and there was a lot of talk about records... but I was thinking, why is a record actually important? I just feel like it's not important to break records or reset records, it's important to set the tone for the next generation and to inspire them."

“This ESPY award is so well deserved for Mikaela,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, U.S. Ski & Snowboard President and CEO. “After an astonishing record-setting season, seeing her honored at this level in front of millions tuning in at home is a perfect celebration. We are so proud of her accomplishments on and off the snow, and we know that she will only continue to impress us in seasons to come.”

Jessie Diggins, a three-time Olympic medalist, six-time World Championship medalist and the most decorated American cross country skier, was named a semifinalist for the prestigious AAU James Sullivan Award. As the only cross country skier on the list of semifinalists, Diggins has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sports landscape.

Diggins' journey to becoming a semifinalist for the AAU James Sullivan Award is one filled with immense dedication and countless hours of training. Hailing from Afton, MN., she discovered her passion for cross country skiing at an early age. Since then, she has relentlessly pursued her dreams, continually pushing herself to new heights of achievement.

Diggins' breakthrough moment came at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. Alongside her teammate Kikkan Randall, she secured a historic Olympic gold medal in the team sprint event, marking the first ever Olympic medal for the United States in cross country skiing. Their stunning victory not only propelled Diggins to the forefront of the sport but also inspired countless young athletes across the nation.

Beyond her Olympic success, Diggins has consistently showcased her exceptional skills on the international stage. She has earned 14 World Cup victories, six World Championship medals, including an individual gold medal in the 2023 World Championships - the first ever for an American cross country skier. Diggins' determination and passion for cross-country skiing have made her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.

Diggins' impact extends far beyond her athletic achievements. She is an advocate for important causes such as environmental conservation, mental health and getting young athletes involved in sport. 

The AAU James Sullivan Award is presented annually to the most outstanding athlete at the collegiate or Olympic level in the United States. Being named a semifinalist for this esteemed award further solidifies Diggins' place among the nation's athletic elite. The award recognizes athletes who have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, leadership, character and sportsmanship throughout their careers. Past winners include Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, Jessica Long, Shawn Johnson and more. 

Diggins' selection as a semifinalist not only recognizes her remarkable achievements but also serves as an inspiration to all aspiring cross-country skiers and athletes. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the snow, showcases the true essence of sportsmanship and determination.

Voting is LIVE from July 12 through July 19. You are allowed ONE vote, per day. 

VOTE FOR JESSIE 

Anouk Patty, U.S. Ski & Snowboard's Chief of Sport, has been selected as one of Outsports' top 100 most powerful and influential LGBTQ people in sports in the prestigious 2023 Outsports Power 100. 

The Outsports Power 100 recognizes influential LGBTQ people in sports in the U.S. Executives, college and pro athletes, coaches, members of the media and people from every professional sports league were considered. 

This significant accolade highlights Patty's unwavering commitment to both her career and the LGBTQ+ community, making her a trailblazer in her field. As Chief of Sport at U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Patty has been instrumental in promoting diversity, inclusion and equality within winter sports, fostering an environment that welcomes athletes of all backgrounds and identities.

Patty's recognition as one of Outsports' most powerful and influential LGBTQ individuals in sports is a reflection of her tremendous impact on the industry. As the sporting world continues to evolve, leaders like Patty play a crucial role in driving progress and shaping a more inclusive future. Her selection in the 2023 Outsports Power 100 not only recognizes her individual achievements but also highlights the collective efforts of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have worked tirelessly to create a more inclusive and accepting sporting community.

Patty was also named among Out Magazine's Out100 Honorees Changing the Game in Sports in 2022.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the broader sporting community are fortunate to have leaders like her leading the way, blazing a trail towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.