Olympic Hopeful: Annika Belshaw
12/15/2025 10:22AM ● By Skylar Leeson
Photo courtesy of Annika Belshaw.
For Annika Belshaw, ski jumping is more than a sport – it’s a pursuit of flight. Three years ago, she moved to Norway to immerse herself in one of the world’s strongest ski jumping cultures. Training alongside Norwegian athletes and coaches, she’s sharpened her technique, pushed her limits and found her place in a demanding sport where balance, passion and perspective are everything. With her eyes on the highest level of competition, Annika continues to carve her path, fueled by the same adrenaline that first made her fall in love with flying.
Steamboat Magazine: Tell me about your journey in the last few years.
Annika Belshaw: Three years ago, I moved to Norway to train with Norwegian coaches and athletes. Being part of that team has given me access to advanced training and a deeper
knowledge of the sport, and it’s really pushed me forward.
SM: Can you tell me the story of how you first fell in love with your sport?
AB: For me, it was always about the flying aspect. That feeling of soaring through the air – the adrenaline – that’s what hooked me right away.
SM: What was the moment you realized that you wanted to goto the Olympics?
AB: I wouldn’t say I had one specific moment. My goal has always been to be the best, and that naturally includes competing at the highest level, which means the Olympics.
SM: Was there ever a moment when you thought about quitting? What kept you going?
AB: Yes, there have been times. For me, it’s always come down to balance – it’s either all in or nothing. Finding that balance has kept me in the sport.
SM: What does competing at the Olympics mean to you?
AB: It would mean a lot. Representing my country and my hometown would be incredible. But beyond that, it brings visibility to ski jumping, especially women’s ski jumping, which is really important for the growth of the sport.
SM: Do you have any pre-competition rituals or superstitions?
AB: Not really, but I always brush my teeth before a competition.
SM: How do you deal with nerves or pressure in high-stakes competitions?
AB: I try to treat competition like training and training like competition. Visualization helps, too. In competition, I don’t really get nervous – I get more of an exciting feeling.
SM: What advice would you give your younger self?
AB: Try to enjoy the process.
SM: How do you hope to be remembered as an athlete?
AB: As someone who was supportive of my teammates and passionate about ski jumping.
For Annika Belshaw, ski jumping is more than a sport – it’s a pursuit of flight. Three years ago, she moved to Norway to immerse herself in one of the world’s strongest ski jumping cultures. Training alongside Norwegian athletes and coaches, she’s sharpened her technique, pushed her limits and found her place in a demanding sport where balance, passion and perspective are everything. With her eyes on the highest level of competition, Annika continues to carve her path, fueled by the same adrenaline that first made her fall in love with flying.
Steamboat Magazine: Tell me about your journey in the last few years.
Annika Belshaw: Three years ago, I moved to Norway to train with Norwegian coaches and athletes. Being part of that team has given me access to advanced training and a deeper
knowledge of the sport, and it’s really pushed me forward.
SM: Can you tell me the story of how you first fell in love with your sport?
AB: For me, it was always about the flying aspect. That feeling of soaring through the air – the adrenaline – that’s what hooked me right away.
SM: What was the moment you realized that you wanted to goto the Olympics?
AB: I wouldn’t say I had one specific moment. My goal has always been to be the best, and that naturally includes competing at the highest level, which means the Olympics.
SM: Was there ever a moment when you thought about quitting? What kept you going?
AB: Yes, there have been times. For me, it’s always come down to balance – it’s either all in or nothing. Finding that balance has kept me in the sport.
SM: What does competing at the Olympics mean to you?
AB: It would mean a lot. Representing my country and my hometown would be incredible. But beyond that, it brings visibility to ski jumping, especially women’s ski jumping, which is really important for the growth of the sport.
SM: Do you have any pre-competition rituals or superstitions?
AB: Not really, but I always brush my teeth before a competition.
SM: How do you deal with nerves or pressure in high-stakes competitions?
AB: I try to treat competition like training and training like competition. Visualization helps, too. In competition, I don’t really get nervous – I get more of an exciting feeling.
SM: What advice would you give your younger self?
AB: Try to enjoy the process.
SM: How do you hope to be remembered as an athlete?
AB: As someone who was supportive of my teammates and passionate about ski jumping.