Earlier this week my teammate on the US Ski Team and Alaska Pacific University Elite Team, Kikkan Randall, became the first American women to win a World Championship or Olympic medal. She claimed silver in the 1.3km freestyle sprint in Liberec, CZE, and in doing so, accomplished what we've all believed to be possible for a long time.
Kikkan (left) receiving the first World Championship medal ever by an American women.
(photo credit: fasterskier.com)
Ever since I woke up early Tuesday morning, rolling out of bed to turn on my computer in anticipation of the results, I haven't been able to get this momentous accomplishment off my mind. Before I knew Kikkan, she inspired me as one of the local legends in Alaskan sport. Then I joined the Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center team, and Kikkan took me under wing. Since then we've grown as friends- traveling together for racing and leisure, living together when she first purchased a house, and overcoming huge obstacles in our pursuit of the sport of cross-country skiing.
The dream Kikkan realized this week was not only an incredible turning point in her life, but in the history of American cross-country skiing. I am sure I am not alone in saying that her medal has been a huge inspiration to me, helping me see that even in this decidedly individual sport, teammates can inspire you to believe in yourself and your own dreams in ways you never imagined. In light of this incredible event, I've put together a photo essay of sorts, having come to understand even more the inspirational power of team (and teammates).
Like Kikkan, I've dreamt of success in sport for as long as I can remember, looking to heroes in sport from the time I began skiing. And even then, I was active because of the camaraderie, the interaction with my friends, and the support of my teammates.
Talkeetna Elementary School cross-country runners, inspired by the fun of it and each other.
From Elementary cross-country running to junior nordic skiing, it was about the fun team, the inspiration that comes from sharing an exciting and competitive experience with others...
Denali Junior Nordic "Snowmads"
(photo credit: Arthur Mannix)
From these recreational programs designed to instill passion for activity and sport, I moved on to more competition-minded programs and came to realize the power in numbers. There's nothing more inspiring that a group of driven training partners who share a common passion and desire for success...
The APU team out on force at a sprint time trial at Hatcher Pass, Alaska.
(Photo credit: Karen Mannix)
US Ski Team girls out on a long run in Park City, UT.
These teammates are the ones who push you to be better during every workout, every day of the year. They're training partners and friends, a continuous source of external inspiration.
US Ski Team girls during a rollerski workout in Park City, UT.
(photo credit: Pete Vordenberg)
APU teammates going head-to-head in a sprint time trial, Hatcher Pass, AK.
(photo credit: Karen Mannix)
At times these teammates are also your competitors, making you work and hurt as you push toward your goals. These same teammates are also the people you have fun with. They're the ones you share experiences with...
Off the trails (for instance, on the playground)...
On the trails, whether you're training or playing on skis...
In between sessions... and on Halloween!
You get to know these teammates, bond with these people in so many ways, and from these interactions your dreams become shared.
US Ski Team dinner on the lawn at a training camp in Park City, UT.
You adventure together...
(photo credit: Jeff Ellis)
Train hard together...
(photo credit: Pete Vordenberg)
Compete together...
Succeed together...
Support each other in victory...
And celebrate your successes together...
Cross-country skiing is an individual sport, but goals cannot be accomplished without the support of teammates. Teams are our lifeline, and whether we see it our not, we cannot get there without them. From the time we are small our "teams" inspire with group fun and games. As we grow older teams become a source of inspiration thru our shared experiences, common bond, and mutual dreams.
Kikkan's accomplishment is close to my heart because I feel like I am a small part of her success. She has lead the way, and I hope to follow....Congratulations Kikkan!
1 comment:
Hey Taz!
I saw a link to your blog so I figured I'd check it out. It's been a while since the good old days of riding the bus to far off places with Strabel, but I'm glad to see that you're still chasing your dreams. It's inspiring- keep it up!
-Kerry
Post a Comment