Words and images by Thomas R. Pearce, MBA
National Nordic Foundation | Vice Chair
Uncovering U.S. XC Ski Team’s Secret Weapon for Success
During the FIS Cross Country Ski World Cup in Minneapolis, MN last February, Theodore Wirth Park trailhead held the first World Cup on United States soil (or should I say, on United States snow) in more than two decades. The Minneapolis skyline was the backdrop for the competition where the crowd’s amped-up energy whisked you into the thrill of the event. It was more than the World Cup race; it celebrated the cross-country ski community where beginners, enthusiasts, and Olympians ski on the same trails.
Ten months later, the same trailhead hosted a far more personal ski event for me and my daughter. We had the privilege to ski and chat with Kristen Bourne, one of the coaches of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Team. Kristen, who was named the International Coach of the Year by U.S. Ski & Snowboard in May 2024, is an inspiration to aspiring coaches and athletes. Her achievements prove how far perseverance and passion can take you, and she’s just getting started.
Kristen’s kind remark about the National Nordic Foundation (NNF) resonated deeply with me, “As a coach, I’m seeing the impact the NNF has on all the athletes I work with—all the way down to the development level, the junior athletes, and kid athletes.” Her observation highlights that the NNF is the U.S. XC Ski Team’s secret weapon for developing Nordic skiers and as Kristen pointed out, “Without the NNF, I don’t know what we [U.S. XC Ski Team] would do because it has had such a huge impact on our team and the successes we’ve had on the international stage.”
My daughter, Sophie, and Kristen practiced skate ski techniques from improving the tempo and glide of V2 to refining the power of V1 climbing. Meanwhile, I made a gallant effort to keep up the pace, but after the second lap, completely out of breath, I was reduced to an enthusiastic spectator. Sophie paid close attention and absorbed every bit of advice that Kristen offered. I am so grateful for Kristen’s leadership and encouragement, and her commitment to elevate cross-country skiing at all stages.
That day at Theodore Wirth Park, I had a “light bulb” moment. Cross-country skiing is for everyone, not just Olympians, World Cup athletes, and coaches. It’s for the youngsters discovering fun on the trails, the parents encouraging them along, and the coaches like Kristen who are committed to leaving a lasting legacy at the elite level of the sport.
Cross-country skiing brings out the best in people and the ski community loves passing on their tips to the next generation. At Theodore Wirth Park, I once again witnessed that generosity come to life. It says volumes about Kristen’s character that she would take the time to share her elite knowledge to a high school skier. In addition to helping athletes improve their skills, she is dedicated to helping them believe in themselves.
For this reason, I am incredibly honored to be a board member of the National Nordic Foundation (NNF). The NNF gives individuals a platform, resources, and experience to pursue their ambitions and enables them to recognize that their dreams aren’t silly, they are achievable, realistic goals.