Dasha Romanov, a rising star on the US ski racing scene and long time member of the SYNC Team, gives us some insight into her process and attack when it comes to all things ski racing.
Q: So where did you grow up skiing?
A: Eldora Mtn. Resort - Colorado.
Q: What is your favorite discipline and why?
A: GS! I think it's the most fun and a good mix of tech and speed elements. I don't have a favorite, I just like skiing.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: Hopefully skiing on the world cup! My biggest goals in ski racing are to compete on the highest level circuit in skiing.
Q: What is one fun fact that many friends, teammates, and coaches don't know about you?
A: I'm super into fashion and clothing! I can't really express this on snow, but off snow I love expressing myself through what I wear.
Q: If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you first started racing what would it be?
A: My advice to myself would be to focus on the little pieces and to always trust the process. Also, don't make excuses for your choices!
Q: If you were not a ski racer what sport do you think you would pursue instead?
A: I'd pursue competitive gymnastics or parkour! Maybe mountain biking? I can't decide between those three, I competed in all of those before deciding to pursue skiing as my main sport.
Q: Which World Cup race would you want to start in the most?
A: Probably Killington or Soelden. I think starting a WC race in the US would be so cool! Also, a season opener in Soelden would be sweet!
Q: Can you walk us through your pre-race routine and describe how you mentally prepare?
A: I normally will listen to some music to get me hype and super happy with a positive attitude. I find that when I am happy and smiling then I race better! Then I always visualize the course until I feel that I'm comfortable "skiing" it in my mind. I stay super calm but also excited, because if I feel tired or negative then I always get super nervous before my start. My favorite exercise to calm down in the start if I feel nervous and overwhelmed is to breathe in for 6 seconds and out for 6 seconds just until I refocus, this helps me slow down my heart rate and "chill".
Q: Finally, if you could be any part of a burger, what would it be and why?
A: I'd me the meatless pattie! I'm not the biggest fan of burgers and I prefer to not eat meat so maybe something like a beyond meat burger pattie? Or just a vegan substitute I guess!
Ski Racing is a real job and a hard one at that, but it is also exhilarating and fun. Don’t let the fun part get away.