Let's talk about the OLYMPICS

Ah, everyone’s favorite question. Are you trying to qualify for the OLYMPICS this winter?

The answer is: of course.

But here is the long-winded version of the answer, addressing some frequently asked questions.

Have you always dreamed of becoming an Olympian?

No. I have never dreamed of becoming an Olympian, because it has always seemed like such an incredibly far-fetched scenario. I’ve enjoyed every step of my ski journey and have been pleasantly surprised every time I’ve improved. The Olympics didn’t cross my mind as a legitimate goal until this season. I admire the people who have dared to dream so big from a young age, but I’ve always found it hard to look very far past my short term goals. 

How do you qualify?

There is no single Olympic-qualifying race, trials, or try-outs in cross country skiing. People can qualify directly by skiing in the Top-8 of a World Cup race, but otherwise the team is mostly chosen by discretion. Since there is no single event where every US skier is present, the US Ski Team has a difficult job of comparing skiers that are racing at different races (the domestic US circuit, the World Cup circuit, and sometimes European circuits). 

I like to think the selection committee does their best and tries to make the selection process fair, but it is undoubtedly a hard job given how impossible it is to compare athletes that aren’t racing head-to-head. If I could change anything, I would love to see an Olympic qualifying race someday with an objective qualification route that is available to everyone.

What are your chances?

Slim, but not zero! The team size is 8, and there are a lot of incredible skiers hoping to take those spots. I’ve had races in my career where I was within the top 8 of US skiers, however I’ve had many races that were not. It’s possible, but I would need to have many of the “best races of my life” in a row to make it happen. 

What do the Olympics mean to you?

I would be absolutely thrilled to make it. But I also feel that "Olympian" is a shiny label which could be tempting to over-value. Olympian status doesn't equate to a meaningful life in itself, but it is certainly a cool thing to be celebrated.

I will also admit it would be hard for any race to top the 2024 Minneapolis World Cup for me (here's my blog about it). Competing in a World Cup at Theodore Wirth Park surrounded by friends and family was truly a peak experience and all my dreams came true that day.

No but obviously I'd be thrilled to make it. I'll try as hard as I can.

Will you get an Olympic rings tattoo if you make it, and get Olympic rings embroidered into all of your clothing, and put OLYMPIAN in your instagram bio, and will you put OLY next to your name when you sign off emails?

No ;)

Final thoughts

There are so many factors out of my control in Olympic qualification, and I actually find peace in that. I can only do my best, enjoy the journey, and see what happens. 

Thanks for reading this week. 

-Renae

This girl (me) was not thinking about the Olympics. She was hoping for the race to be over ASAP