Big news coming out of my world. That is, if you haven't heard earlier this spring I decided to withdraw my name from the "renomination pool" for the US Ski Team. To put it in plain and simple words, next season I will not be an official member. I emphasize the distinction because I hope that I will always be an "unofficial member" as the team is kind of like extended family to me. I've spent close to 200 days outside of Alaska the past few years, 95% percent of those days being ski team affiliated. It's more time than I've spent with my husband, friends and family combined.
Perhaps the largest challenge throughout this whole process is trying to tell people that although I'm not on the USST, I'm NOT RETIRING. Understandably people think that I must be done or maybe I'm even pregnant if I'm choosing to NOT pursue the World Cup full time. However, that's simply not the case. I can assure you that I'm very motivated to train and that I'm not done skiing. I simply want more time with my husband & family, more time at home in Alaska, and an opportunity to do some non World Cup races where I can realistically chase the podium.
Alex Mathews of Fasterskier wrote an article the other day about my decision. Read it below if you're interested:
Not on the U.S. Ski Team List, Brooks Still in the Hunt for International Podiums
In my mind I will always be a part of this awesome team!
Team from 2012-2013... Now of course with the addition of Soph! (Photo by the infamous Reese Hanneman)
Girl's Team in Toblach, Italy this year... missing Jess. (Team RUDY!)
For the first time since the season ended I'm finally getting settled at home, in Alaska. This spring I opted to spend two weeks in the Pacific Northwest catching up with family and friends. In the past couple of years family visits have been outside of security at the airport or crazy 24-hour, everyone gets an hour type visits. I really wanted something a bit longer. Here are some pictures from my trip down South:
Tulips at Seattle's Pike Place Market.
The crown we got for my Grandma's 90th! (acquired at a Drag Store on Broadway in Seattle of course!)
My Grandma, "Oma" complete with her crown, Ferry wings and bright pink boa!
Walking Cannon Beach with my sister, dad & mom... Thanks so much to my wonderful friend Merritt for hanging out and then letting my family crash her beautiful beach pad!
Hot tub time with sibs Scott and Robin
All four of us together in front of Nick and Ellen (Scott's friends and adjoining farm) old chicken barn - ready to Tour Shaw Island (where my brother now lives) via two wheels!
Triplet Siblings on Shaw Island's South Beach
I have had SO MUCH FUN these past four years and I don't regret a single day, decision or action. Also, like I said earlier, it's not over yet - I'm just starting a new phase :)
In all reality this front page picture with the Anchorage Daily News wasn't that long ago. My sports psychologist likes to use the analogy that I'm like a cat with many lives - college Holly, professional consultant Holly, Ski Coach Holly, USST Member Holly, and now ______ Holly! I'm really excited about the future...
I still need to put together the details for the next phase of my career but first I'm anxious to spend some quality time with this guy..... and to be clear I'm talking about the one on the left, not the right - sorry Al!
(NBC Commentating booth in Sochi)
Thanks so much to all of you for your continued support and encouragement. Stay tuned to see what happens next! Until then, make each day count!
Sincerely,
Holly
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