Athlete spotlight: Nick Goepper

Nick Goepper at the USOC promotional shoot before the Sochi Olympics. Mitchell Haaseth/NBC

The 2013-14 season marked a standout year for Nick Goepper, who landed on the podium at nearly every event he entered. Multiple World Cup podiums, a win at the Dew Tour and a second-straight X Games gold medal leading up to the Olympics set the stage for his success in Sochi. At the Olympic Winter Games, Goepper made history for his sport and country by taking home the first-ever bronze medal in slopestyle and helping sweep the podium with fellow teammates Joss Christensen and Gus Kenworthy. Goepper then topped off his banner season with his second-straight AFP slopestyle title.

Name: Nicholas Charles Goepper

Sport: Freeskiing (slopestyle)

How/when did you decide you wanted to compete: I decided to compete for the first time when I was 11. I entered a big air contest at my home resort in Indiana. I tried to do a little straight air with a grab, ended up not even making it over the jump, and placed 42nd out of 45 competitors.

Biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I would say the biggest accomplishment of my career so far is winning slopestyle at the Winter X Games this past season.

Favorite moment from Sochi: My favorite moment from Sochi was landing my finals run and skiing out of the last jump knowing that I was going to get a good score!

Goals for next season: My goals for next season are to do well in competitions, film, and have as much fun skiing as I did last year!

Favorite snow destination: My favorite snow destination has to be Colorado. Simply because they have the best terrain parks in the world and thats my favorite thing to do!

Favorite non-snow destination: My favorite non-snow destination would have to be the West Coast! I love surfing and exploring California and the Pacific Northwest.

Favorite candy: Nutter Butter or Reese’s.

If you weren’t a professional athlete what would you be: If I wasn’t a professional athlete I would be a full time college student!

If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive, who would it be: I would have dinner with Kelly Slater.

One thing you can’t live without: I can’t live without being passionate about something in my life. Right now it’s skiing!

Favorite USSA athlete outside your sport: I really admire Lindsey Vonn and all the work she has put into her career time after time.

Advice to others who want to follow in your footsteps: When the going gets tough, even if the engine fails, break out the oars and keep charging forward!

Release courtesy of USSA