Olympic Hopeful: Sam Carpenter
01/08/2026 11:00AM ● By Skylar Leeson
Photo courtesy of Sam Carpenter.
Sam Carpenter has had a wild ride. In 2019, the ski racer-turned-Alpine snowboarder moved to Steamboat Springs, where he trained with an international coach. It was a decision that shaped his future, guiding him towards the Olympics. Born in the U.K. but raised mostly abroad, Sam now proudly represents Great Britain on the slopes, chasing big goals like the Olympics while celebrating milestones along the way, like finishing seventh at Junior Worlds last year. Calm under pressure and always focused on progress, Sam’s story is about resilience, passion and competing because he loves the sport – not just for the medals.
Steamboat Magazine: When did the Olympic dream first take root for you?
Sam Carpenter: Honestly, every athlete dreams of the Olympics. For me, it’s always been the goal, right from the start.
SM: Has there ever been a time you thought about walking away?
SC: Definitely. In high school, a lot of kids had already started before me, so I’ve always felt like I was on the back foot. I’ve never had that sense of, ‘Oh, I’ve made it.’ That’s been hard emotionally. But when I step back, I see the progress I’ve made, and that keeps me going.
SM: You’re now representing Great Britain. What has that experience been like?
SC: I was born in the U.K. but moved when I was 6. The decision to represent Great Britain came because I felt I could make a bigger impact there. It’s been an honor to carry that flag and help push the sport forward.
SM: What’s been your proudest moment so far?
SC: Placing seventh at Junior Worlds last year. That result showed me I can compete at a high level and it gave me confidence to keep pushing.
SM: How do you handle nerves or pressure in big competitions?
SC: I pride myself on staying calm. For me, it’s just another race, and that mindset helps me perform my best.
SM: If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
SC: Keep going. Put in all the effort you can. Don’t chase a medal just for the medal – do it because you truly want to.
Sam Carpenter has had a wild ride. In 2019, the ski racer-turned-Alpine snowboarder moved to Steamboat Springs, where he trained with an international coach. It was a decision that shaped his future, guiding him towards the Olympics. Born in the U.K. but raised mostly abroad, Sam now proudly represents Great Britain on the slopes, chasing big goals like the Olympics while celebrating milestones along the way, like finishing seventh at Junior Worlds last year. Calm under pressure and always focused on progress, Sam’s story is about resilience, passion and competing because he loves the sport – not just for the medals.
Steamboat Magazine: When did the Olympic dream first take root for you?
Sam Carpenter: Honestly, every athlete dreams of the Olympics. For me, it’s always been the goal, right from the start.
SM: Has there ever been a time you thought about walking away?
SC: Definitely. In high school, a lot of kids had already started before me, so I’ve always felt like I was on the back foot. I’ve never had that sense of, ‘Oh, I’ve made it.’ That’s been hard emotionally. But when I step back, I see the progress I’ve made, and that keeps me going.
SM: You’re now representing Great Britain. What has that experience been like?
SC: I was born in the U.K. but moved when I was 6. The decision to represent Great Britain came because I felt I could make a bigger impact there. It’s been an honor to carry that flag and help push the sport forward.
SM: What’s been your proudest moment so far?
SC: Placing seventh at Junior Worlds last year. That result showed me I can compete at a high level and it gave me confidence to keep pushing.
SM: How do you handle nerves or pressure in big competitions?
SC: I pride myself on staying calm. For me, it’s just another race, and that mindset helps me perform my best.
SM: If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
SC: Keep going. Put in all the effort you can. Don’t chase a medal just for the medal – do it because you truly want to.