Featured Image: Daron Rahlves at Beyond Kitz, athletes talk. Credit: GEPA

In the first part of the 22nd episode of the Skiing is Believing Podcast Summer Series, Matt Garcka and Alan Rigg spoke with the 12-time FIS World Cup winner and former Super-G World Champion Daron Rahlves.

Daron recounted a fascinating story to Matt and Alan during this week’s interview, detailing a time in his early career when doubts surrounded his capability to compete in downhill racing on the World Cup circuit. Despite the skepticism, a shift to Atomic reignited his confidence and paved the way for success on the sport’s most intense tracks.

Daron is still the most accomplished American male downhill skier in history, having achieved 20 podium finishes, nine of them were victories.

He also reminisced about his enjoyment at the 2001 World Championship, where he raced to first place in the Super-G in St. Anton. Four years prior, he was the downhill silver medallist and giant slalom bronze medallist in Bormio, Italy.

During these astonishing World Championships, Daron described the incredible party atmosphere that Europeans created at the Europe-based races.

Additionally, Daron told them about some of his favorite World Cup speed tracks, where he enjoyed sensational success. As a double winner on the Stelvio, the Streif, and three-time winner in Kvitfjell, Daron expressed how he was able to be triumphant on some of the most challenging venues worldwide.

Part two of this interview will be available on Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube starting Sunday, so stay tuned!

Please let Matt and Alan know what you think of the summer series, and any suggested feedback is welcome. Please send an email to mattgarckaskiingisbelieving@gmail.com.  

Also, find them via Instagram @skiingisbelievingpodcast where at the start of next week, Matt and Alan will be hosting a LIVE quiz podcast. You will be able to answer, interact, and enjoy five rounds of ski racing fun!

Catch them on YouTube @skiingisbelievingpodcast where all of the interviews are now available with video.