By Katy Savage
Rhiannon “Rhi” Lubaszewski, 19, lives in Rutland and graduated from Killington Mountain School last year. She competes in Slalom, Super-G and Giant Slalom and hopes to make it into a Division 1 college and eventually compete on the World Cup circuit.
Q&A with Rhiannon Lubaszewski
What does it mean to you to have the World Cup come to Killington?
Rhiannon Lubaszewski: After all these years of Killington having the World Cup, not one year has it been less exciting. It is so inspiring to see these women who I’ve looked up to my whole ski career in person where I ski daily in the winter. I strive to be in their position one day and I cannot wait to ski a World Cup at my home mountain in the future.
What got you into ski racing, and how did you first discover your passion for the sport?
RL: When I was 5 I saw Nastar, a fun pay-to-race organization, and wanted to try it. After that I joined my local race team. My love for racing didn’t come until years later though, I was at a preseason camp and my coach told me, “those girls are all faster than you” and walked away. From there on out that lit a fire like nothing I have ever felt and that’s when I fell in love with the sport.
What are your future goals for the sport (for your own race career or for any other career in skiing)?
RL: This year I am taking a gap year to further advance my skiing and to get a spot on a D1 college team. Afterwards, my goal is to represent Team USA on the World Cup circuit.
Are there any female ski racers or athletes who have inspired you to pursue your goals? What have you learned from them?
RL: I have always looked up to Lindsey Vonn. She has always inspired me because no matter where you come from, whether it’s from a ski town or an area where winter is only three months long, with hard work you can make it from anywhere. Her battles and resiliency with injuries has taught me to keep fighting for the sport I love and to never give up no matter what.
What does it mean to you to be part of a growing community of females in ski racing?
RL: It feels really empowering to be amongst a group of such strong and powerful ladies, and to share similar experiences and passion for the sport makes it that much more special to be a part of.
How do you think the ski racing community can further support women in the sport?
RL: Overall I think in the ski community, women’s skiing is supported and uplifted more so than other sports, the Killington World Cup is a prime example. We as a community need to keep supporting these strong and inspiring women while keeping equality and fairness prominent in the sport.
