Athlete spotlight: Erik Bjornsen
As the second half of the Bjornsen Nordic clan (older sister Sadie is a member of the A Team), Erik Bjornsen continues to carve out his own niche on the U.S. Cross-Country Team, making his Olympic debut in 2014 and competing in six events.
In his first Olympic Games, the Washington native helped the men’s classic sprint relay team reach the finals in Sochi. That successful Olympic debut comes on the heels of a breakthrough 2013, where Bjornsen made his World Cup debut, had top-10 and top-15 finishes at U23 World Championships, and earned his first U.S. title in the 15k freestyle. He also skied in his first World Championships, finishing 14th in the team sprint, and then capped the year with two SuperTour Finals victories.
Bjornsen terrorized the SuperTour scene in 2012, with enough impressive finishes to take third overall in the four-part miniseries. He also made his mark on the collegiate scene, earning All-America honors as a freshman at Alaska Pacific University.
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
Name: Erik Bjornsen
Sport: Cross-Country Skiing
How/when did you decide you wanted to compete: Before I can remember
Biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Sixth in the team sprint at the Olympics
Favorite moment from Sochi: My five seconds of glory when when I was leading the Olympics!
Goals for next season: Score World Cup points in both disciplines and both techniques
Favorite snow destination: Praz De Lys, France
Favorite non-snow destination: Mazama, Washington
Favorite candy: Sour Skittles
If you weren’t a professional athlete what would you be: A professional business man
If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be: My grandma
One thing you can’t live without: Chef Rosie Brennan
Favorite USSA athlete outside your sport: Julia Mancuso
Advice to others who want to follow in your footsteps: Nothing special, just train hard and enjoy it!
Release courtesy of USSA