US Olympic Team Nomination & a Busy January!

​January has blown by, although at times it felt like it was moving along at a snail’s pace. As you know this past month I was in the midst of my first Olympic Selection Period, let’s just say I wish I knew at the beginning what I know now. I have been on the World Cup circuit the past few weekends since my last update, learning a lot about myself. Since my last update I traveled and competed at several different World Cup venues. I had results at those that made me want to harness my inner Rod Kimble (from the movie Hot Rod) and go kick punch my anger away in the woods. I had somehow allowed myself to start to slip away from where I thrive, both technically and mentally. I have had to force myself to learn from these weeks and do everything in my power to take a step forward. Although it didn’t happen as quickly or when I wanted it to I have started back down the right path.
 
The Olympic Selection Period ended on the 22nd and I found myself in a bit of limbo for a few days waiting to hear the official nominations for the Olympic Team. As I am sure many of you know, the feeling of not knowing and not being able to do anything about something can easily mess with you. I was very fortunate to spend those few days in Seefeld, Austria which is one of the more incredible places that this sport has taken me. Seefeld had been hit by a massive snow storm right before we arrived, blanketing the town in an immense amount of snow, quickly reminding me of the beauty of winter. I was there with Ben (Berend) who has spent a bit more time in the area and took me on one of the more incredible distance skis I have been on in a while. Needless to say, we were able to find a distraction from all the extra noise that had been sneaking into our lives. When the news finally arrived and I was informed that I was officially going to the Olympics I was beyond stoked!! I had achieved my childhood dream and would be getting to represent my hometown and country competing in the Olympic Winter Games!! I was named to the team along with Bryan Fletcher, Taylor Fletcher, Ben Loomis, and Ben Berend, I could not be more stoked to have this opportunity with my best friends and teammates (photos below).

​I am now at my home away from home in Planica, Slovenia for a Pre-Olympic camp which will included jumping on some of my favorite hills along with a weekend of competitions perfect for a tune-up before departure. I will then be departing for the Olympic Games in just over a week!! The best way to follow along with what I am up to is my Social Media outlets or homepage which updates with photos from those outlets, stay tuned!! Here are some photos from my travels below!