Andrew Kurka trains for the downhill at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games on March 2, 2022 in Yanqing, China.
The two most decorated members of the U.S. Alpine Ski Team at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games have opposing approaches on the hill. Andrew Kurka, from Alaska, prefers to go all out and take risks on the course, while Laurie Stephens, from Massachusetts, prefers to sit back and be patient during a race.
These two sit-skiers will be the biggest medal hopes for the US team when the alpine competitions begin on March 5 with the downhill in Yanqing, the mountainous suburb of the Chinese capital. The alpine skiing events will include five disciplines: downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and super combined, with medals awarded for each in the seated, standing and visually impaired categories.
Kurka, who has the literal energy of a former radio personality, was a six-time Alaska state wrestling champion before becoming a two-time Paralympic and six-time world championship medalist on the tracks. He is expected to compete in several events at the Games, starting with the downhill, for which he holds a Paralympic and world title.
“The hill is really beautiful and the conditions are perfect here, especially when the sun is up and beating down on it,” Kurka said after his final practice run on Thursday. “The first practice run I had some technical difficulties, but the last two have been fantastic, and I think my opponents know I have podium potential.”
Don’t expect him to play it safe, though.
“I’m 100% in a crash or win mentality,” Kurka said. “I know where the fastest line is. I know what it takes to ski that fastest line, so I’m going to do whatever it takes to make it happen. I’m here to win, and if I’m right, I will. there is no doubt. Everyone on the circuit knows that’s how I ride, and if I make a mistake I can always get on the podium.
Stephens will be competing in his fifth Paralympic Games – the most of any member of the delegation – and will be looking to add to the seven Paralympic medals to his name. At the world championships in January, she took gold in the giant slalom and bronze in the slalom, showing that she is still a major threat to the podium at the Games.
Along with Kurka and Stephens, here are the stories of Team USA athletes to follow on the trails.
