“I was off skis for the entire year prior to the Olympics and fought so hard to be in the select few that made it.” — Riley Jacobs
Built back from injury. Built for the biggest stage.
Before Milano Cortina, Riley faced a major setback: full ACL reconstruction in November 2024. Less than two years later, she earned her place on the Olympic stage.
Built back from ACL reconstruction
Before Milano Cortina in November of 2024 I had to have full ACL reconstruction. During that time what kept me committed to the process of rehab and getting back to where I was, was the idea of the Olympics. The entire time I knew if I kept doing what I was supposed to and working hard, I could be back in time to qualify for the Olympics and compete. The Olympics have been a lifelong dream so there was plenty of motivation.
For Riley, the motivation was not abstract. It was specific. It was time-bound. And it became the anchor that kept the work moving forward.
What it felt like to finally drop in
When I was at the top of the halfpipe at the Olympic winter games I felt like I finally didn't have a million things running through my mind. I was so happy to make it that anything else felt like the cherry on top. I remember standing at the top before I dropped with my coach behind the rings and just saying how amazing and cool this is. I felt like I actually made it.
The pressure was not in the run. The pressure was in the road that led there.
Steamboat Springs and learning pressure early
Growing up in Steamboat Springs created an environment that fosters competition especially in snowsports. I think this has really helped me to thrive under that sort of pressure and mindset in any competition. I did so many events when I was little and I feel no more pressure then than I do now. Back then I was doing what I know how to do just like I do now.
The pressure was getting there
I definitely faced a ton of pressure this season and the whole year prior going into the Olympics. No pressure for me on the biggest stage amounted to the pressure I felt to get there. I was so excited to be there that that was the least stressed I had been in months!
Underdog?
I don’t feel like an underdog! I was off skis for the entire year prior to the Olympics and fought so hard to be in the select few that made it.
Built back. Built with purpose. Built for the moment she had been chasing her whole life.
Still in the fight.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.