In keynote address, Shaw reflects on ‘exceptional season’

In his keynote address during the annual U.S. Ski & Snowboard Congress, CEO Tiger Shaw on Wednesday acknowledged the challenges of the COVID season, praised athletes for on-snow success, and provided a glance into the future of the organization, which he will step down from leading in the months ahead.

The season produced many strong statistics for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, including more than 1,300 starts, 86 podiums, and 750 top-30 finishes at the World Cup level. But those weren’t the only impressive statistics offered by Shaw. Athletes and staff were administered 15,000 COVID tests; some individuals received a test more than 200 times. All told, there were 55 positive tests among the U.S. Ski & Snowboard ranks, which were managed in an effective manner.

On snow, there were season-ending injuries and breakthroughs that required special acknowledgment, including NCAA athlete Erik Arvidsson, of Middlebury, who finished eighth in World Cup competition. But perhaps the biggest achievement during this “exceptional” season, said Shaw, was overcoming significant logistical challenges to allow athletes to travel, train, compete, and be successful at the highest level of the sport. 

On the alpine front, Shaw underscored the uncertainties the team faced one year ago that led to a successful partnership with Mount Hood Timberline for summer training and, soon after, a collaboration with the embassies in Austria and Switzerland that allowed national team athletes to travel to Europe in the fall.

The “bubble” format was ultimately an effective way for teams, athletes, and coaches to safely operate throughout the season and limit exposure to the virus, said Shaw. Now with vaccines readily available, he anticipates an easing of travel to and from foreign countries. Yet the ultimate question remains: Was the lack of travel and more localized on-hill training such a negative outcome after all — or are there lessons that can be learned from the COVID season?

“Less competition and more training at home, is that good,” asked Shaw, “or bad? As you recall in alpine there has always been this game, especially at this level, of chasing points. Is there a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

“We all want to win,” said Shaw. “We all want to be the best in the world. The only way we are going to be able to do that is by winning at all levels. But also, working on winning by doing it the right way.”

The right way? According to Shaw, that means with focus on mental health, athlete wellness, being safe, and putting a plan into action that honors diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Shaw, who will be stepping down from his role of CEO in March of 2022, says he remains committed to the organization and everyone in it. 

“I’m completely committed to that,” said Shaw. “Enabling that and making sure your next leader does a fabulous job and that the right person comes in and has the time to ramp up properly and understand how to run this organization.” 

Shaw plans to remain in his role throughout next winter while helping facilitate a smooth transition to the next CEO.