Unraveling Sarah Schleper’s Epic Story on the Skiing Is Believing Podcast

Featured Image: Sarah Schleper competing in the Olympic Winter Games. Credit: GEPA

In the most recent episode of the Skiing is Believing podcast, hosts Alan and Matt had the distinct honor of welcoming Sarah Schleper, a former U.S. World Cup alpine ski racer who has since transitioned to a Mexican all-rounder.

Schleper recounted her remarkable experiences with the Stifel US Ski Team, highlighting her achievements that encompassed four podium finishes in the FIS World Cup and a notable slalom victory in Lenzerheide in 2005. In reflecting on her successful tenure with the team, she elaborated on the exceptional opportunities she had to train alongside Lindsey Vonn and a young Mikaela Shiffrin.

In the course of the 2009 World Championships, Sarah remembers conversing with Hubertus Von Hohenlohe, who has long served as the male representative for Mexico at both the World Championships and the Olympic Games. Their discussion centered around her potential transition following her marriage to her Mexican husband the previous year.

Upon her initial retirement from ski racing, Sarah skied, memorably in a summer outfit, before picking up her four-year-old son halfway down the mountain. Regarding this race, Schleper told Skiing is Believing the thinking behind the dress and how she felt it perfectly expressed her personality.

Schleper also told the listeners the reason behind the return to ski racing ahead of the 2014/15 season and now reflects on 10 years with Team Mexico. She also looked ahead promisingly to the 2025 World Championships in Saalbach, when she will race in her 11^th World Championship, and she will increase on her 21 WSC starts.

When Matt asked what Sarah’s goal is for the remainder of her career, she responded, “To be at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Olympics with my teenage son.”

This is an achievement that she is set on and certainly hopes that her son can qualify as the number one or second Mexican male racer.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we hope you can tune in via the links below. You can visit the Skiing is Believing podcast’s Instagram or YouTube channel, where they have a catalog of interviews recorded over the last eight months. Don’t hesitate to contact the Skiing is Believing podcast either via mattgarcka.skiingisbelievingpodcast@gmail.com, with feedback, advice, or improvements.