Leif Kristian Nestvold-Haugen

Paula Moltzan’s first World Cup win made history for NCAA skiing. Her path also connects her to three other collegiate racers who reached the sport’s highest podiums.

Six former racers reflect on what ski racing brought into their lives, what it demanded and what remained after their final competitive run.

Olympic medalist Leif Kristian Nestvold-Haugen says Norway’s celebrated sports model is under threat as youth sports become more specialized, expensive and performance-driven.