Featured Image: The BMA Junior Team of the United States of America seen during the Longines Future Hahnenkamm Champions slalom at the Ganslernhang in Kitzbuehel. Provided by Burke Mountain Academy.
Press Release provided by Burke Mountain Academy
BMA’s U16 racers delivered outstanding performance in Kitzbühel debut, capturing 2nd place overall and setting fastest individual times.
KITZBÜHEL, AUSTRIA— On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, six U16 athletes from Burke Mountain Academy represented Team USA in the Longines Future Hahnenkamm Champions International Junior Race, a prestigious team slalom competition held as part of the 85th Hahnenkamm Races. Since 2001, the Juniors Race has served as the prologue to the renowned Hahnenkamm race weekend, featuring top talents from eight nations competing on the iconic Ganslern slope just days before World Cup athletes take to the same venue. This year marked a historic first: a team from the United States participated, with all six athletes hailing from Burke Mountain Academy in Vermont.
Competing for the first time on this historic stage, Team USA delivered an extraordinary performance on the challenging course. After a strong first run, Team USA led the field at Kitzbühel and ultimately secured an impressive second-place finish in their debut. Burke Mountain Academy athletes Kieran Hildreth and Katie Rowekamp contributed to the team’s success by posting the fastest times of the day for boys and girls, respectively.
“This was an amazing experience to race in Europe, especially at a World Cup venue,” said Katie Rowekamp ’27. “Learning how to function in a high-stress environment while competing against such high-caliber athletes was invaluable. It was fun to meet new people and race at a higher level of competition.”
The U16 athletes representing Burke Mountain Academy included Kira Hiebert ‘28, Katie Rowekamp ‘27, Sayla Rowe ‘28, Kieran Hildreth ‘27, Charles Lemerond ‘27, and Oliver May ‘27. They were supported by BMA coaches Thomas Erhard ‘84 and Jesse Hunt ‘83, as well as Head of School Willy Booker ‘96.
“We are incredibly proud of our athletes’ performance at the Hahnenkamm,” said Head of School Willy Booker. “Their dedication, preparation, and ability to rise to the challenge on an international stage is a testament to their hard work and commitment.”
About Burke Mountain Academy
Founded in 1970, Burke Mountain Academy is a coeducational boarding school in East Burke, Vermont, dedicated to developing elite ski racers. With over 154 National Team members and 37 Olympians among its alumni, BMA provides an environment that supports both athletic and academic excellence. Guided by its mission to champion ski racers chasing greatness, BMA’s innovative academic programs are tailored to meet
the unique needs of student-athletes, fostering their growth and achievement in a community built on trust. With training locations in East Burke, Vermont, and Sterzing, Italy, BMA offers unparalleled opportunities for athletes to be successful throughout their lives.
For more information, visit www.burkemtnacademy.org.
Media Contact: Meryl Willett, Marketing and Communications. mwillett@burkemtnacademy.org 860-630-0328
About the Author: Press Release
