In an effort to mutually grow awareness for the healthful active outdoor lifestyle of cross country skiing, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association and Slumberland American Birkebeiner have begun a partnership that could have profound impact on the sport. This past weekend, USSA President and CEO Tiger Shaw took part in his first cross country ski race, completing the 52k Birkie in four hours, 49 minutes.
First, congratulations on becoming a Birkebeiner finisher!
Thanks, I’m proud of what I accomplished but more exhilarated by all I witnessed over the weekend to showcase this vibrant sport.
The USSA had a strong presence at the Birkie. What was the strategy?
It’s important for the USSA, and myself, to be engaged with each of our sports including cross country. The Birkie is the leader in America with its broad participation. We wanted to acknowledge that and also use it as a time to bring different stakeholders in the sport together to talk about how we can unify under a common message. Birkie Executive Director Ben Popp is playing a strong leadership role there.
What was your most poignant moment of the weekend?
It was incredible to see so many juniors racing up Main Street, smiles on their faces and parents and family members in tow. For me, standing in the rain cheering on the Barnebirkie kids was memorable - really heartwarming and a great indicator for the future of the sport and event.
How was your race experience?
What really struck me from the start was the camaraderie among competitors. There was a nervous anxiety at the start, which ultimately translated into heart rate, breathing and getting in line up those hills – I did a lot of herringboning. But the SAG volunteers were a real highlight, always ready, able and helpful for every single skier.
The USSA runs many major events. What did you think of the logistics at the Birkie?
Running an event like the Birkie is akin to building a city and moving it 52 kilometers through the forest under challenging weather conditions. The organization was as good as anything I have ever seen, as were the attitudes and smiles. Really fun!
Your wave was just starting when the elite were finishing. It was a good day for the USA!
It was especially gratifying to see the USA results against such a strong international Worldloppet field this year. David Norris had just won a pair of USSA SuperTour events and really came in with momentum. It was fun to watch Caitlin Gregg pursue her goal of a record fourth title with such passion. She’s a great athlete and does a wonderful job taking her enthusiasm out to her kids program in Minneapolis.
Tiger Shaw cheers on Birkie finishers. (USSA)
What did you hear from skiers at the Birkie Expo?
It was fun to come into the Expo on Friday and see the huge lines forming for autographs with Kikkan Randall plus Caitlin and Brian Gregg. I had a good chance to chat with many skiers about their interest in the sport. That feedback will help me better understand how the USSA can be a stronger cross country partner.
Where does the partnership go from here?
The USSA will continue to work closely with the Birkie, as well as other organizations in the sport such as the National Nordic Foundation, CXC, NENSA and more. I see us uniting under a common message about the healthful lifestyle represented by cross country skiing and each of us using our platforms to encourage greater participation.
Will we see you on the Birkie start line again?
Ha, yah, I think you will someday. Birkie Fever gets into your blood quickly. I really had such a great experience and am thankful to the Birkebeiner for embracing our USSA presence.
