STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO – Making it into the elite echelon of international competitor takes talent, encouragement, resources and more than a little determination. Meet Steamboat's latest contenders for the title of champion. 

Taylor Gold, 28 

Snowboard Halfpipe

Trained with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club

  

What do you most look forward to leading up to the Olympics?

I'm looking forward to expressing what I think makes snowboarding so unique among all the Olympic sports –creativity and style. I've been working on some different tricks and combinations that I think will stand out, so I'm excited to put those all together into a full run. 

You’ve had to deal with a couple big injuries in the past. What were the keys to recovering from those and staying competitive and focused?

I think bringing the same intensity to rehab as I do to my snowboarding career was essential for my recovery. There were times that I wondered if I would ever be able to perform at the same level again, and I promised myself I wouldn't accept that until I exhausted every conceivable treatment option. I also continued to visualize myself snowboarding and coming up with new tricks I wanted to try, which kept me motivated through the hardest days.

What role has growing up in Steamboat played in your athletic career?

Growing up in Steamboat gave me the opportunity to follow my dream of becoming a pro. Being able to ride with the SSWSC gave me a path where I could ride with the best kids my age and climb the ranks as a competitor. The Bashor chair at the Steamboat Ski Area also offered really fast laps in the pipe, so I was able to get tons of reps in a short amount of time.

What do you consider your proudest moment in your sport so far?

I think my proudest moment was finishing 3rd at the 2020 Laax Open. It was my first podium after my knee injury, which took about three years to fully resolve. So much work went into getting back to that level, and I felt like it was proof that I had fully overcome that challenge. 

How does your relationship with your sister Arielle play into your athletic success?

Arielle is one of my closest friends, so it is comforting during the more stressful times in the competition season to have someone to lean on who not only supports me as a sibling, but understands the challenges of competing in snowboarding. It's also fun to bounce ideas off her, like new tricks, lines or ways to just ride better.

What do you see yourself doing after you retire from snowboarding?

After I am done competing, I think it would be fun to explore a different avenue of snowboarding, like filming videos. I have only dipped my toes into the backcountry, so I'd like to learn more and travel to some places I've been wanting to visit like Japan, Whistler and Alaska. Beyond that, I'm planning on going to school and exploring my interest in athletic performance and business.

What movie or book most inspires you?

“The Way of the Peaceful Warrior” by Dan Millman is one of my favorite books, and one that helped me in particular when I was injured.