Paige VanArsdale, 22 

Alpine Skiing 

Trained with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club 

How old were you when you started skiing? 

I started skiing when I was 3 years old. But my parents used to ski with me in a backpack when I was a baby. 

What would it mean to you to compete in the Paralympics? 

I would be really excited if I made the Paralympic team and got to travel to another country to compete with the world’s best para skiers. 

What advice would you give to other athletes who face big obstacles? 

No matter what life throws your way, never give up even if you have setbacks. Keep your dream alive but set smaller goals to reach your dream. I take it one race at a time. 

What would you choose as your intro song before a ski race? 

If I had my song choice it would be Van Morrison’s “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue.” Other favorite songs are Nathaniel Rateliff’s song “Survivor” and Portugal the Man’s “Steal My Sunshine.” 

What do you plan to do after your ski career? 

I would like to become a physical therapist assistant or maybe a ski coach. But first I want to travel to Hawaii to sit on the beach, learn to surf small waves and enjoy the warm weather.