In this episode, we have U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Team Coach Greta Anderson to discuss her first year in the role and the growth and progress of the U.S. development program which feeds the success we now see on the World Cup. We take a look at highlights of the 2022 FIS Junior and U23 World Ski Championships, which took place in Lygna, Norway last February, discuss athletes newly named to the U.S. Ski Team, as well as the initiatives and philosophies within the development program which help these athletes thrive holistically, while taking steps forward in their ski careers.
Show Notes
Last June, U.S. Ski & Snowboard
announced the hiring of Greta Anderson as Development Team Coach, supporting Cross Country Program Manager
Bryan Fish in “all aspects of leadership and logistics surrounding the U.S. Development Pathway, including National Training Group camps, U.S. Nationals and Junior/U23 World Championships, Europa Cup, select SuperTour and other national-level competitions, as well as working on Coaches’ Education and Certification.” (Read an in-depth interview with Anderson following the announcement
here.)
As she described it, joining the U.S. Ski Team staff during an Olympic year while the COVID-19 pandemic raged on was a bit of “trial by fire”. Nonetheless, Anderson thrived in her new role, approaching the position with humility and open-mindedness as she learned the ropes. With a holistic view of athlete development, which emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where the athlete can be both happy and supported, Anderson had the opportunity to support athletes from the U16 to U23 level across the spectrum of international and domestic clubs and races. She played key roles during the
2022 FIS Junior/U23 World Ski Championships in Lygna, Norway, and had her first experience as the primary trip leader during the
Opa Cup Finals pre-camp and competitions in Sappada, Italy.
In this conversation, you’ll hear more about Anderson’s contributions to the development program thus far, and she shares insights into the philosophy, projects, and initiatives the U.S. Ski & Snowboard staff are working on to continue the growth and support of athletes ascending the pathways from junior to senior racing. We also discuss standout performances of the World U23/Junior Championships, and some of the athletes who have been recently named to the
2022-23 U.S. Cross Country Team.