Sam Maes/SHRED.
In a sport increasingly defined by well-funded national programs and deep institutional support, Belgian alpine skier Sam Maes has chosen a different path. That journey is the focus of Twice the Fight, a new short film released today by SHRED., offering an inside look at what it means to compete at the highest level—largely on your own terms.
Maes, an Olympian and World Cup regular in Giant Slalom and Slalom, represents a growing group of athletes opting out of traditional federation structures in favor of independence. The film explores the mindset required to make that choice stick: discipline without guarantees, belief without safety nets, and daily commitment without the backing of a major national team.
Rather than framing independence as a disadvantage, Twice the Fight presents it as a deliberate and demanding decision—one that requires constant accountability. Through race footage, training scenes, and candid reflections, the film traces Maes’ steady progression on the World Cup circuit, from World Junior Championship medals to his strongest season to date, highlighted by career-best results in both technical disciplines.
Maes trains and competes with Team Global Racing, a small, international group of athletes and coaches led by founder and head coach Paul Epstein. The team operates outside the conventional federation model, emphasizing shared responsibility, adaptability, and long-term development.
“If I had to describe Sam in one word, it would be relentless,” Epstein says in the film. “What people don’t see are the battles he’s fought over the years, and his ability to keep pushing through those challenges. That’s what’s allowed him to reach this level.”
The film also features commentary from Ted Ligety, two-time Olympic gold medalist and co-founder of SHRED., who connects Maes’ story to broader themes within the sport.
“Sam’s story isn’t about what he doesn’t have,” Ligety says. “It’s about what he chooses to do every single day. That willingness to take responsibility for your own path—that’s what defines great athletes and great teams, regardless of resources.”
For Maes, the message is simple and personal.
“To all the young shredders out there, keep believing and work hard,” he says. “There is nothing more beautiful than having a dream and being able to chase it, no matter the outcome.”
Twice the Fight premieres as Maes prepares to return to World Cup competition on February 14 and 16, adding timely context to the moments fans will soon see unfold between the gates. The film offers a reminder that what happens on race day is only the visible edge of a much longer, quieter fight—one shaped by preparation, belief, and an unwavering commitment to the process.
Twice the Fight is now available on SHRED.’s website and YouTube channel.
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