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Bob Gray, a US Ski Team athlete from 1962 to 1974, and VT native, reflected on his career saying, “Having spent 12 years on the US Ski Team and struggling to compete at the World level it has been inspiring to see the successes of the SMST2 Team! This team is now competing at the highest level in the sport and winning. It brings tears of joy to my eyes! SMST2 includes young skiers just getting started in the sport and gives them a chance to train with the best in the world. Now, these inspired athletes will have enough financing to take more international opportunities. Having the necessary support to devote all of your energy and attention to the task at hand is absolutely necessary.”
1984 Olympian and SMST2 Advisory Board Member, Sue (Long) Wemyss stated, “I couldn't have pursued my ski goals without outside help from acquaintances and family friends who generously chose to donate towards my ski racing campaign. The costs of racing and preparing to reach the highest levels of competition have only sky-rocketed over the decades! The financial support of our most generous anonymous donor will go a long way to enabling some of the U.S.'s most promising skiers to pursue their potential in cross-country skiing.”
Bill Koch, who also sits on the SMST2 Advisory Board, is perhaps the most significant figure in the history of American cross-country skiing, known for both his competitive achievements and contribution to the sport's evolving technique. Bill was the first and only American prior to Jessie Diggens to win an Olympic medal (1976) or the Overall World Cup title (1982). Bill sees this grant help expedite the development process stating, “To get better at World Cup racing, you need to race on the World Cup. SMS T2’s commitment to support its unfunded athletes and help them get this experience will help expedite their development and raise the bar! It has been a thrill to watch the depth of US skiing explode over the last few years, and making European racing accessible to up-and-comers will help continue this trajectory.”
This initiative reflects the SMST2 Team’s commitment to its mission. SMST2 athletes are training hard and have already started expanding community projects. Gap Grants will ensure that financial barriers do not hinder athletic progress. The SMST2 team is committed to supporting skiers on the world stage, with pride in both the US Team and their club and local community.
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