By Tricia Mangan

Ski racing may seem like an individual sport, but that is far from the truth.

While it’s the athlete in the spotlight of a World Cup race who crosses the finish line, what spectators don't see is the intricate web of support that makes that moment possible. There is a complex ecosystem of professionals, friends, family, and community who transform individual potential into the pursuit of excellence. Without this team, speed is unattainable.

The Unsung Heroes: Ski Technicians

Ski technicians are the team members most people never think about. These are the magicians who transform our skis into precision instruments. They don’t just wax and tune edges to match the demands of ever-changing racecourse conditions—they also choose the right skis, prep them all summer long, and maintain a quiver that gives athletes every edge (pun intended) against the competition.

But it’s not just about sharpness. The level of detail required to prepare fast and safe equipment for the World Cup is so intricate that even the athletes struggle to understand it all. That’s why our technicians are truly masters of their craft and an essential part of every racer’s success.

The Architects of Performance: Coaches and Trainers

Our coaches’ responsibilities extend far beyond what most people realize. Yes, they help us become better skiers, but that means so much more than just running drills. They develop training plans, scout the best training venues, sharpen our technical and tactical skills across multiple events, and manage our energy, emotions, and confidence through the highs and lows of competition.

Physiotherapists and conditioning coaches are equally vital. They don’t just treat injuries—they design training regimens that optimize performance and prevent breakdowns. Their work is a delicate balance of biomechanics, individualized recovery strategies, and cutting-edge sports science. Without them, we wouldn’t even make it to the start gate.

PC: Gabriele Facciotti

The Inner Circle: Teammates and Competitors

Perhaps the most immediate and crucial support system is my teammates. We compete against each other, but we also lift each other up in ways that are hard to explain to outsiders. There’s an unspoken understanding, a shared language of challenges, dreams, and resilience. We celebrate each other’s victories as much as our own, and we provide support during the inevitable low moments.

Even the World Cup speed circuit itself is a support system. Yes, we’re competitors, but we’re also a family. We share meals in remote mountain towns, swap training and travel stories, celebrate each other’s wins, and provide comfort in the tough times. In speed racing, it often feels like we’re competing against the mountain more than against each other.

The Invisible Infrastructure: Support Staff

Behind the scenes, an entire network of professionals works tirelessly to ensure we can focus on performance. Team managers, nutritionists, mental performance coaches—all of them create an environment where we can thrive.

Race-day stress can seep into every part of life. Sometimes, when you’re really struggling, even small decisions feel exhausting. The support staff helps alleviate that mental burden, handling logistics, ensuring proper recovery, and maintaining the mental equilibrium required to perform under pressure.

The Heart of It All: Community

For me, the most important support system by far is my community—which goes far beyond professional support. It’s the messages of encouragement, the unwavering belief, the collective hope that carries me through the toughest moments.

It starts with my family, who believed in my potential long before I did. From early mornings driving me to training with my siblings in tow to their steadfast support through every high and low, they laid the foundation.

But the community extends far beyond family. It includes friends who back my dream without fully understanding it, teammates who share an unspoken resilience, and every single person who reads my blogs and sends a message of encouragement. These are the people who transform an individual pursuit into a shared experience.

Ski racing, like any big dream, can feel incredibly lonely when you’re in the thick of it. But our communities are the life force that keep us going all winter long. They make the highs more meaningful because we can share in the celebration, and they help us navigate the lows.

The Power of Partnership

Success in professional sports is never an individual achievement. It’s a collective effort, a collaboration of passionate professionals and supporters who dedicate their lives to helping athletes reach their maximum potential.

I also couldn’t do it without the support of my sponsors, who have stood by me throughout my career and made it possible to keep chasing this dream. One that has been especially meaningful to me is the World Cup Dreams Foundation. Ski racing is an expensive sport, and without their help, it would be nearly impossible for athletes like me to keep competing at this level. Their grants and fundraising efforts don’t just provide financial support—they offer a platform to connect with donors who believe in this journey. Their impact extends beyond funding; they help shape the future for athletes determined to push the limits.

More Than Just Gear: The Aztech Mountain Approach

In many ways, this philosophy of community and support mirrors what Aztech Mountain represents—purposeful design that goes beyond just creating clothing. True performance comes from a holistic approach, from the intricate support system that transforms potential into excellence.

Because in the world of professional athletics, no athlete truly stands alone.