Mike and Keith engage in an energetic conversation with Nick Preston, the owner of Freestyle America and a pioneer in the sport. Preston shares captivating anecdotes from his career, detailing the development of freestyle skiing from its rebellious beginnings in the 60s and 70s to its current status as an Olympic sport. He recounts coaching future champions, the challenges of establishing freestyle in the skiing community, and memorable experiences, including traveling to Japan and Russia. The podcast also highlights the upcoming World Cup mogul skiing event at Waterville Valley, adding excitement for ski enthusiasts.

Topics

03:39 Early Days and Evolution of Freestyle Skiing

15:13 The Rise of Ballet Skiing

28:50 Challenges and Politics in Freestyle Skiing

31:30 Friction and Unity in Skiing

31:47 Legendary Coaches and Athletes

32:38 Recruiting and Embracing Snowboarding

33:20 Building a Successful Ski Academy

34:52 Key Figures in the Olympic Movement

35:55 Molding Future Champions

38:49 Remarkable Athletes and Their Stories

42:55 Adventures and Encounters Abroad

48:39 The Enthusiasm for Freestyle Skiing

52:51 Reflecting on a Legacy