As I reflect on my journey through the turbulent years leading up to 2025, I realize that my path has been like a steep, unpredictable ski slope filled with unexpected turns and challenging descents. The past few years have tested my resilience in ways I never imagined, but they have also forged a stronger, more determined version of myself. My story isn't just about winning races—it's about navigating grief, adapting to global changes, and rediscovering my passion for alpine skiing.

The Tumultuous Turn

The year 2020 began with a personal tragedy that felt like an avalanche burying everything familiar. Losing my father, Jeff, was like having the mountain itself collapse beneath my feet. Just as COVID-19 began sweeping across the globe, I found myself grappling with a void that no victory could fill. The pandemic added another layer of complexity, turning the world into a silent, isolated landscape where even the roar of cheering crowds faded away. During this period, I made the difficult decision to step back from speed events and focus solely on slalom and giant slalom, a choice that temporarily cost me my dominance in the Alpine Ski World Cup. Missing the latter part of the 2020 season led to a second-place finish, a stark contrast to the three successive World Cup titles I had carried into the year.

Rediscovering My Roots

Growing up in a family where skiing was as natural as breathing, the slopes were my second home. Both my parents were former ski racers, and I inherited their love for the sport like a seed planted in fertile soil. By age 14, I was competing on the FIS circuit, and a slalom bronze medal at the FIS Junior World Ski Championships that same year hinted at the potential within. My World Cup debut in March 2011 was a milestone, making me the youngest American to claim a national alpine crown. Those early years were like a carefully choreographed dance on snow, each turn building momentum toward greater achievements.

The Heights of Success

Before the challenges of recent years, my career was a tapestry woven with golden threads. With 69 World Cup wins—the second-most by any female alpine skier—I've carved my name into the history books. Among these, 45 victories in slalom races stand as a record unmatched by any skier, male or female. My accolades include:

• Three overall World Cup championships

• Six World Cup slalom discipline titles

• 🥇 Two Olympic gold medals (Sochi 2014 slalom, Pyeongchang 2018 giant slalom)

These achievements were not just personal triumphs; they were moments shared with fans, family, and a global community that supported my journey. Yet, success, much like a finely tuned ski edge, requires constant sharpening. The decision to skip speed events in the 2021 season led to a fourth-place finish, a reminder that balance is crucial in this sport.

The Road to Redemption in 2025

Emerging from the shadow of loss and global uncertainty, I've embraced a renewed focus. The 2025 season represents not just a comeback but a rebirth. Like a phoenix rising from ashes, I am reintegrating speed events into my repertoire, aiming to reclaim the dominance that once defined my career. The Alpine Ski World Cup events, starting in Sölden, Austria, are more than races—they are stepping stones toward future Olympics and a testament to perseverance. My journey has taught me that resilience is like a hidden glacier, slow to form but unyielding in strength. As I look ahead, I carry the lessons of the past, ready to carve new paths on the snow with the same passion that ignited my childhood dreams.