Athlete Spotlight: Sho Kashima

Sho Kashima got his start at age four after a family move from West Texas to South Lake Tahoe. After having his career-best season in 2009 (8th in the World Cup rankings), Kashima started the 2010 season looking strong with a pair of World Cup top-10 finishes. However, a blown knee sustained while preparing for the Deer Valley World Cup in January ended his season early and put his Olympic dreams on hold. Another knee injury in 2012 put him back on the rehab road, but that didn't stop him from a late-season comeback in 2013. With only five starts, Kashima locked in three top-ten results and earned both a second and a third place finish at the U.S. National Championships, held on his home mountain. 

Name: Sho Kashima
Sport: Freestyle moguls
How/when did you decide you wanted to compete: Growing up at Heavenly, we had a rich background of great moguls skiers. Since I started skiing, I idolized several skiers from the Tahoe area. I finally pulled the trigger to compete when I was 12.
Biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Being ranked in the top three in the world after my first knee surgery.
Goals for next season: Top three at a World Cup Grand Prix and an Olympic medal
Favorite snow destination: Are, Sweden
Favorite non-snow destination: Hawaii
Favorite food: French fries
If you weren't a professional athlete what would you be: Financial advisor
Time you've been most scared in your life: When I blew out my second knee in Calgary in 2012.
Biggest vice: Blondes
Biggest pet peeve: Blondes
Advice to others who want to follow in your footsteps: Don't be afraid to work on your weaknesses.