Nordic

Athlete Spotlight: Lindsey Van

by
USSA
2012-06-19 11:45
 

The masthead of women's ski jumping, Lindsey Van has put the sport on her back for the past decade and a half, becoming it's most popular and outspoken advocate. Oh yeah, did we mention and she can jump? Van became the first ever women's World Champion at 2009 Nordic Worlds in Liberec, Czech Republic and has claimed 15 U.S. titles. But perhaps her most unique accomplishment took place far from the ski jumps. After learning she was a genetic match, Van donated bone marrow to someone suffering from leukemia in San Francisco, something she considers her greatest accomplishment to date. Truly a proven winner both on the hill and off, Van just has one piece left to add to the trophy case: Olympic gold. Read on to see what makes Van tick.

Name: Lindsey Van
Sport: Ski Jumping
Hometown: Park City, UT
Current Location: Park City, UT
School: University of Utah
How/when did you decide you wanted to compete: At age 7 when I had my first jump, I knew I wanted to compete.
Biggest accomplishment in your career so far: 2009 World Champion.
Goals for next season: Have fun and jump far.
Favorite snow destination: Japan.  I love the culture, and the food. 
Favorite non-snow destination: Hawaii.
If you weren't a professional athlete what would you be: Who knows, that's too scary to think about.
Time you've been most scared in your life: Not ski jumping.
What you do you when you are not training or competing: Ski, bike, hang out with friends and work.
Biggest vice: Pickles
Biggest pet peeve: When things are unorganized.
Advice to others who want to follow in your footsteps: Do what you love to do, and don't let anybody get in your way.

 


 


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