We want to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the milestone Olympic performances of Ben and Julia, two athletes whose entire journeys have centered in New England.
There’s nothing special in the water in Southern Vermont. There is something special though.
First, there were hairies, sand skiing, and the emergence of a new discipline. Then there was a kindred spirit who took the jumps at BKL practice to new levels, created meaningful connections wherever he went, and did backflips off of World Cup and Olympic podiums.
In between, there was a community championed by visionaries: Bill Koch himself, Sverre Caldwell, John Ogden, just to name a few.
All over 50 years and leading up to the second ever individual Olympic medal for the United States…from one small community tucked in the forests of Southern Vermont.
Photo: Nordic Focus
And on that same day, his SMST2 teammate and lifelong New Englander Julia Kern delivered a standout performance of her own, skiing into the final alongside the strongest sprinters in the world.
- Photo: Gretchen Powers
While their paths have converged in Stratton, Julia’s roots are urban. Her development as an elite athlete in a place with fewer natural winter resources speaks to the very strengths she brings to the world stage: grit, adaptability, and relentless determination. It also reflects the dedication and ingenuity of a different kind of New England community, one just as committed to building champions.
No matter where I go, the New England ski community remains a core part of who I am. I couldn’t imagine a more special community to grow up in—or a more welcoming one to come back to.
– Julia
For those who know Ben and Julia personally, their success comes as no surprise. But watching them represent the U.S. and New England on the world’s biggest stage yesterday was truly something special.
Congratulations, Ben and Julia! We couldn’t be more proud.
