In this episode of Skimo Gold’s Olympic Dispatch, Travis Macy sits down with two members of Team Australia Skimo: Phil Bellingham and Lara Hamilton—right in the middle of the chaos leading into the first-ever Olympic ski mountaineering races.

Phil is heading into his fourth Olympic Games (after three Olympics in cross-country skiing) and shares what it’s like to step into a brand-new Olympic sport, manage the pressure cooker of the Olympic environment, and stay grounded through years of elite competition. Lara, competing in her first Olympics, opens up about finding skimo through the Gunnison, Colorado community, navigating life as a multi-sport athlete, and balancing intense training with creativity, music, and marketing work off the snow.

They talk about what it’s really like to train for skimo as Australians (yes, there is snow), the financial reality of racing World Cups, the tight-knit skimo community, and the behind-the-scenes chaos of Olympic prep. Lara also shares what it’s been like managing ankylosing spondylitis while competing at the highest level, and why having her family in Italy means more than any result.

This conversation is a real look at what it takes to show up mentally, physically and emotionally for the Olympics. Plus, why skimo’s debut on the Olympic stage is such a meaningful moment for athletes from smaller winter sport nations.

If you’re curious about skimo, the Olympic experience, or what it actually takes to chase a dream like this, this one’s for you. Special thanks to Lara Hamilton (@solara.dj) for sharing some of her music on this episode! 

Special thanks to TrainingPeaks, DYNAFIT, POMOCA, REVANTA Creatine by NEURORESERVE (use code SKIMOGOLD), and CAMP for sponsoring Skimo Gold's Olympic Dispatch! 

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Thanks to our sponsor CAMP

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Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.