THE CHAMPIONSHIPS WINTER PARK 2012
What exactly does it mean to be a “self-funded athlete”?
How do you manage to do that?
It means that there is a one-to-one relationship between the costs
you incur throughout the season and your bank account. For me,
the income comes from various places, both through my job in the
summer (the last couple of years it’s been a government consult-
ing gig in Washington, D.C.) and my sponsors. I wouldn’t be able
to do it without this dual revenue stream, and I am grateful to have
both. It makes the summer a busy time, since I’m not only working
a real job but also fitting in a workout/on-snow training schedule
that gets me into the shape necessary for the season. But being
self-funded usually means that you are on your own in a lot more
ways. You are lining up your own training in the summer/fall, your
own travel during the season, and somewhere in between, you
need to ski fast. It’s doable, but at the end of the day you only
have a certain amount of time and energy. It can be frustrating to
be pulled in so many directions, especially during the race sea-
son, and that can lower your spirits. Having a good base (like a
Team Leever) is very helpful in alleviating logistical nightmares
that I have found like to arise more during fall training than any
other time. I’ll never forget stepping off the plane for my first train-
ing camp this summer with my new team. For the first time in a
couple of years I didn’t know the name of the rental car company
or how far away the ski area was from the airport.
Your racing career path has been non-traditional, can
you comment on that?
I think it’s important to keep in mind that far fewer people than we
think have had a traditional path to success. I like to ask success-
ful people in all different fields how they got to where they are, and
the answers are almost never the same. A successful business-
man had a whole other career in the Army; an orthopedist used
to do underwater marine salvage, etc. These atypical paths are
not only inspiring, but also show that determination and belief in
oneself in the moment counts for a lot. When I think about the way
my ski career has gone I look to examples like this and feel a lot
less crazy or insecure about whether things will work out. Actually,
it can have the opposite effect; I embrace and even feel empow-
ered by my unique situation.
Any advice for athletes like yourself?
Enjoy what you do every day. You have to — otherwise it’s never
going to work. Also, provide a way for your sponsors and supporters to follow your season as you progress towards your goals.
Both are very helpful, and they want to know about more than
whether or not you won the Olympics. A blog is a good way to
do this, and allows for new supporters to jump on board easily.
Most importantly, learn how to find the airline’s representative who
wants to dote on you, wants to impress you, or wants to flirt with
you. No matter what your airline status is, it’s always nice to have
the attendant gloss over the fine print of overweight luggage and
international upgrades.
NATIONALS SCHEDULE
Wednesday, March 28
Women’s U.S. Alpine Championships — Slalom
Presentation of winners in the Village at Winter Park
Men’s team captains meeting
Thursday, March 29
Men’s U.S. Alpine Championships — Slalom
Men’s and women’s team captains meeting
Friday, March 30
Men’s and Women’s U.S. Alpine Championships — SG
Presentation of winners in finish arena
Opening Ceremonies; athlete/parent banquet
Saturday, March 31
Women’s U.S. Alpine Championships — Giant Slalom
Presentation of winners in the Village at Winter Park
Men’s team captains meeting
Sunday, April 1
Men’s U.S. Alpine Championship — Giant Slalom
Presentation of winners in the Village at Winter Park
