The Next Turn - skiing, ski racing and sport

This week features a coaches roundtable with two of the most successful coaches in North America. Jeff Lackie of Green Mountain Valley School returns to The Next Turn, along with Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club’s Johno McBride. Both currently serve as Alpine Program Directors, and both have worked at the highest level of our sport, bringing a breadth of experience and knowledge to the table. The two discuss the approach that worked best with World Cup athletes, breaking down the nuances and highlighting similarities in their respective pathways to success. Additionally they highlight what, in their experience, works best in the developmental phases with athletes. This insightful, humorous and in-depth conversation is a must-listen. As always, we share our “Swix Thoughts of the Day.”

Austrian World Cup racer Marco Schwarz joins The Next Turn this week as he recovers from a crash in January. Prior to the injury, Schwarz had reached the podium in four out of the first eight World Cup races this year and was leading in the Overall at the time. He is now three months post op, and he remains focused on the future, using his time to prepare for the next season, both physically and mentally. As a four event skier, he discusses the differences in cues between disciplines and the adjustments he made this season in order to add speed events to his already packed schedule. Schwarz, who joined the Austrian team when he was just 18, talks about the mentors who guided him along the way and speaks to the importance of having confidence, managing pressure, and "finding the flow”. As always, we share our “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

We are expanding our horizons this week at the Next Turn by talking with Jessie Diggins, the American cross country standout, just days after clinching her second overall globe. Diggins talks candidly about how much she put on the line this season, how she defines success and the costs of it, in terms of both personal and team sacrifice. Always forthcoming and straightforward, Diggins opens up about her eating disorder and the impact that it’s had on her life on and off snow. She talks about her race energy management and what she hopes for the legacy she leaves behind. As the conversation flows, the parallels between the nordic and alpine worlds become more and more evident. And as always, we share our “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

The Next Turn is excited to be joined this week by Canadian speed skier, Cameron Alexander. Cam, a World Championship Bronze medalist, is in the midst of his best season to date as he heads into the World Cup Finals next week in Saalbach, Austria. In this episode he shares his thoughts on what has led to his success and shares what he has done to earn the right to not be surprised when the good results come. Alexander discusses his technical focuses in detail, and elaborates on where the improvements lie, as well as the benefits of having both long-term teammates and coaches to push his development. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day

Back to back Kitzbühel winner Cyprien Sarrazin joins The Next Turn this week for a fascinating conversation. Sarrazin, who is coming back from a crash while training in Kvitfjell in February, opens up to us about his injury, his recovery, and his upcoming return to racing in Saalbach Austria. He talks us through his World Cup ascent and gives a glimpse into the mental exercises he employs on and off the hill. Sarrazin is incredibly honest and forthcoming. He even takes us inside the epic celebration at the Londoner pub following the Kitzbühel races, offering a slice of the ski racing culture that fans seldom see. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

The Next Turn welcomes two veterans who bring close to a century of combined coaching wisdom to our coaches round table: Jeff Pickering, long time National team coach and current Western Region Development Director in the United States, and Joey Lavigne, Canadian Ski Hall of Famer and Director of National Capital Outaouais region in Ontario. Pickering shares insights from his journey, while across the border, Lavigne offers the Canadian perspective. Together, they speak to the passion that drives them, touching on the profound influence of sport values and the often unavoidable politics that accompany competitive skiing. They discuss the qualities that catch the eye of coaches, from raw athleticism to the often under-appreciated mental toughness that distinguishes the good from the great. Their discussion offers quite an honest glimpse into the realities of coaching at every level. They explore athlete retention, the critical athlete-coach relationship, and the development journey as a whole. As always, Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

This week The Next Turn is joined by Loïc Meillard, the Swiss athlete who has spent nine years on the World Cup circuit and has stood on the podium in three separate disciplines. In this episode Meillard talks about his training regimen, discussing the balance between pushing his limits and knowing when to rest, his ability to pivot between disciplines, and the lessons he’s learned from years of competition. Additionally, he looks forward to the remainder of the season, sharing his objectives and tactical adjustments for second runs, giving insight into what the Swiss coaches might be doing that other nationalities might not be. Meillard explains the importance of both family and coaches to his success as an athlete, and overall, offers a unique perspective on the complexities of high-level individual competition. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

This week The Next Turn is joined by the multi-talented Macuga family. The three Macuga sisters are all on the U.S. National Team: Sam is a ski jumper, Lauren is an alpine speed skier and Alli is a mogul skier. Their younger brother Daniel is also an alpine skier, with his eyes set firmly on the World Cup. Each of the four siblings have found their individual calling, and in this episode they open up about their admiration for one another and talk through the strengths and unique abilities that set each apart in their respective sports, as well as their goals and aspirations. They also touch on the business side of skiing, from their teams to sponsorships, to managing the pressures of competitive sport. The siblings discuss the invaluable support of their parents Amy and Dan, as well. It’s a fascinating look into a remarkable family. As always, hosts Martin, Cara and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”

The Next Turn has missed watching Wendy Holdener on the circuit and was thrilled to catch up with her to get an update on how her rehab and return to snow is progressing. In this episode she talks through the progress she’s made in her recovery, sharing what it’s been like to watch the season unfold from the sidelines. Holdener talks through her technical cues as well, illuminating the preparation and self-awareness it takes to perform at her best. Looking forward, she explains that she’s been working with her ski manufacturer to produce a boot that will accommodate her reconstructed ankle, and she gives us some intel on her return to racing—it might just be sooner than any of us would have thought. As always, hosts Martin, Cara, and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day”.

Canadian downhillers Jack Crawford and Brodie Seger join us once again on The Next Turn, continuing their candid conversation with us this season, offering an honest look at the realities of being World Cup athletes. They discuss the importance of taking time off, recharging mentally and physically, and the subsequent journey back to a competition mindset. They have been with the same coach for years and talk about the evolution of that relationship. This episode doesn’t only offer a window into the world of elite skiing, but it also highlights the value of self-care for all athletes, offering a reminder that even those at the highest level face hurdles and insecurities. As always, hosts Martin, Cara, and Jeff share their “SWIX Thoughts of the Day.”