River Radamus, a rising star in ski racing, has spent four years reflecting on the narrow margin of 0.26 seconds that kept him from stepping onto the podium at the Beijing Olympics. Rather than allowing this close call to frustrate him, Radamus has adopted a more balanced mindset as he prepares for the upcoming 2026 Games in Milan.
At 27, the Colorado native understands that ski racing demands year-round commitment. “I spend 250-plus days on the snow and 150 to 200 days training in the gym,” Radamus said. “Yet the performance that gets evaluated lasts less than an hour throughout the whole season.” He emphasizes that during the Olympics, athletes invest four years for just a couple of minutes in the spotlight. This realization helps him view success and failure beyond mere competition results, fostering a healthier relationship with the sport.
Despite the pressures of the Olympic cycle and increased public scrutiny—evidenced by his modeling work for J.Crew’s U.S. Ski & Snowboard collection—Radamus remains focused on his craft. He recently spoke from Adelboden, Switzerland, emphasizing that while there’s added attention, it also offers opportunities to promote ski racing and make it more financially viable.
Reflecting on his previous Olympic experience, Radamus acknowledges that the fourth-place finish in Beijing was bittersweet. Initially, he processed the disappointment, realizing that if he couldn’t take pride in such a close call, then he wouldn’t be satisfied with any place. This led him to prioritize the process over outcomes, embracing the nuances of improvement and personal growth.
As he navigates the pressures of competing, Radamus has turned his focus to the Alpine Racing Career Opportunities (ARCO) Foundation, which he founded to give back to the ski racing community. The foundation, now in its third year, has provided over $100,000 in grants supporting more than 75 young athletes. It targets under-16 competitors at a critical stage in their careers, helping those who face financial barriers to continue pursuing their passion for ski racing.
Radamus notes that the costs associated with ski racing can be daunting, especially when athletes transition into high school and face pressures to conform with peers. To assist in this, ARCO aims to ensure that talented and passionate young athletes receive the resources they need to thrive. Additionally, he organizes free spring training camps at Copper Mountain, offering aspiring racers valuable time on the snow and mentorship from someone with World Cup experience.
In spite of the intense competition and personal stakes, Radamus’s approach blends dedication with a spirit of community and support for the next generation of skiers. His journey reflects not only a commitment to excellence in sport but also a desire to uplift others, creating pathways for success and a stronger community around ski racing.