Featured Image: Barbara Ann Cochran. Credit: John Lazenby/Alamy
In this week’s episode on the Skiing is Believing podcast, hosts Matt and Alan had the honor of conversing with Barbara Ann Cochran, a former World Cup ski racer for the U.S. Ski Team.
She shared her incredible story of being raised by her sports enthusiast father, who encouraged her two sisters and brother into pursuing sports. They all went on to be part of the national team in ski racing, and each retired at the same time.
Barbara Ann explained how the Cochran’s Ski Area was built in 1961, when she was 10, and that it is still going strong.
When Babara Ann broke excelled in her alpine ski racing career, she started competing in the World Cup circuit at age 17 in March 1968. Soon after, she achieved second place in the World Championships in Val Gardena in 1970.
She told Matt and Alan that she wasn’t always very confident but liked to think she had a chance of winning any given race.
In 1972, she achieved the title of Olympic slalom champion in Sapporo, a topic she elaborates on extensively during the interview.
Only two years later, Barbara Ann decided to retire at age 23. This was a decision that was difficult to make. However, as her father didn’t hold his position as the alpine director anymore, all four children decided that the time had come for the Cochran’s to leave the team.
The accomplished skiier has done many things during retirement. She was a teacher for many years before mothering current US Ski Team member, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, who, like his mother, is an Olympic medalist. In this conversation, she shares her pride for her son, boasts about the team dynamic he has, and provides insight on what Ryan was like growing up.
Please let Alan and Matt know what you thought of this article in addition to any of their other episodes. Throughout the season, they will be recording two episodes per week, so stay tuned. This weekend Matt and Alan are heading to their first World Cup race, so why not follow their experience on Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube @skiingisbelievingpodcast? You can also email them at mattgarcka.skiingisbelievingpodcast@gmail.com.
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