Local athletes invited to ‘live like Olympians
Courtesy photo |
Six Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club alpine racers learned what it’s like to be an Olympian during an invitation-only conditioning camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs last week.
The athletes, who hail from Aspen to Glenwood Springs, did physical testing, lived in the center’s dormitories, were schooled on weightlifting techniques and basically “learned how to be a professional athlete,” AVSC alpine ability coach Torey Greenwood said.
The camp, specific to Rocky Mountain Division U14 and U16 athletes, has been ongoing for at least 20 years, said Darlene Nolting, RMD alpine manager.
While the accommodations are simple, the menu is legendary among attending athletes.
“Ask any one of those guys, and they’ll say the food is amazing,” Greenwood said.
One of the weekend’s highlights was a motivational talk by a resident Olympian.
This year’s presenter was a female wrestler.
The camp focuses as much on the mental aspects of sport as the physical requirements needed to reach one’s potential.
“They definitely learned a lot about what it takes to become an Olympian and what’s involved,” said Greenwood.
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