By Katy Savage
Eva Young is an 18-year-old Killington Mountain School student who’s graduating this year. She’s competed in a number of Nor-Am cups and national junior races in the Slalom and Giant Slalom.
Q&A with Eva Young
What does it mean to you to have the World Cup come to Killington?
Eva Young: Having the World Cup come to Killington is inspiring. To be surrounded by women who are competing at the level I aspire to compete at, and to have this happen on my home hill makes my dream feel that much more attainable.
What got you into ski racing, and how did you first discover your passion for the sport?
EY: I started ski racing at age 4, following in the footsteps of my older brother. When I was 12 and learning how to block gates my passion for this sport was truly ignited.
What are your future goals for the sport (for your own race career or for any other career in skiing)?
EY: I intend to continue working diligently on my ski racing path with the intent of one day racing on the World Cup circuit and when I transition away from my racing career, I look forward to giving back as a coach. I even started coaching training camps this summer.
Are there any female ski racers or athletes who have inspired you to pursue your goals? What have you learned from them?
EY: Two athletes come to mind … When I was 13 I had a school assignment to write a letter to a famous person I respected and I chose Mikaela Shiffrin. I looked up to her as an athlete at the time and after receiving a thoughtful handwritten response, I now look up to her as a person as well. One of the other female athletes I look up to is Petra Vlova because of her strong will and determination.
What does it mean to you to be part of a growing community of female athletes in ski racing?
EY: It is wonderful to see all the young girls being empowered by each other as they grow and experience the world from a different perspective.
How do you think the ski racing community can further support and uplift women in the sport?
EY: Over the many years I have been in this sport I have seen the toxic culture. To shift this culture, we need both athletes and coaches who are willing to set down their egos and be more inclusive. I love the ski racing community and I want to watch us grow and flourish together.
