Becoming a World Cup ski racer takes more than talent and hard work. Behind every athlete is a team of supporters, including parents, guardians, coaches, family members, and friends, whose sacrifices, encouragement, and unwavering love fuel the journey. These supporters are often the quiet heroes, juggling time, finances, and emotional support to help their athletes chase dreams on and off the snow.
Stef Fleckenstein and Jimmy Krupka, two SYNC Independent athletes, share their heartfelt gratitude for those who helped shape their journeys.
Getting Started: The First Steps on Skis
For Stef and Jimmy, ski racing began with their parents simply getting them to the hill, sparking a love for the sport.
Stef: “I was two when my parents put me on skis and I started racing when I was 12. They really just wanted me to get outside and have fun, and made sure every trip to the hill was memorable and that I loved being there. That foundation made all the difference when I chose to pursue ski racing more seriously.”
Jimmy: “My parents got me on skis at age two, but they didn’t really have plans for me to ski race. I just really wanted to after watching kids at the hill, and once I told them that’s what I wanted, they jumped in to support it. They signed me up for a team, got me to training, and made sure I had the gear. Looking back, I appreciate that they let me take the lead on wanting to race.”
Loved for Who They Are, Not Just Results
Both athletes emphasize how their parents valued them as people, not just based on their results.
Jimmy: “I really appreciated that my parents never made ski racing the only thing that mattered. They always saw me as more than just an athlete, which was huge, especially when races didn’t go well. There was no pressure or expectations attached to my performance. Just unconditional support for who I was off the hill too.”
Stef: “They never tied their love or support to how I did in a race. If I had a bad race, it didn’t change how they treated me or believed in me. That stability gave me so much confidence and helped me focus on improving and having fun, not just on winning.”
The Big Sacrifices Behind the Scenes
Ski racing isn’t cheap or easy, and their parents made real sacrifices to help them pursue their dreams.
Stef: “My parents worked incredibly hard both financially and emotionally to help me chase my dreams. I didn’t really understand the full scope of what they were giving up until I got older. It’s humbling now to see how much they put into making sure I had what I needed, from paying for training to always being there with encouragement.”
Jimmy: “My family made some big moves to support my skiing, including moving from Boston to Vermont when I started racing more seriously. That wasn’t something they had planned or wanted to do lightly. They gave up their home, their friends, and had to adjust their own work and social lives. I’m really, really grateful they were willing to make those sacrifices for me.”
Small Gestures That Made a Big Difference
It’s often the little things that stick with athletes. Encouragement, reminders, or helping out in unexpected ways.
Jimmy: “My parents weren’t pushy, but they’d give me gentle reminders, stuff like, ‘Hey, remember you said you were going to work out every day this summer?’ It wasn’t nagging, but it helped keep me accountable. During COVID, when everything was shut down, my mom was right there helping me carry gates up the hill, setting courses, and even filming my runs. Those moments made me feel so supported.”
Stef: “It was the quiet encouragement that mattered, the little check-ins, the ‘you’ve got this’ when things got hard. Also, my dad has always tuned my skis and every morning when I grab my skis before a race, there is chocolate tucked under a ski strap. It's the cutest dad thing ever.”
Handling Pressure and Staying Grounded
The pressure of races is intense, but their parents helped keep perspective.
Jimmy: “Ski racing can be brutal mentally, and you have to learn how to handle pressure and setbacks mostly on your own. But my parents always reminded me that who I am as a person is bigger than the sport. They helped me remember my worth isn’t measured by a race result.”
Stef: “When I was injured or struggling with setbacks, my parents were my biggest cheerleaders. They reminded me that my value goes beyond skiing, and that helped me stay grounded and come back stronger. If I'm ever feeling too much pressure in the sport, we go out for a fam ski or bike day and it's always a great reminder to always have fun doing what I love with my people.”
Advice for Parents Supporting Young Athletes
Jimmy and Stef share what they believe makes the biggest difference in support.
Stef: “Be patient. Celebrate the effort more than the results. And most importantly, always be present, whether it’s at training, races, or just checking in emotionally. That presence means more than anything.”
Jimmy: “Unconditional support is everything. Don’t tie your love or approval to performance. Help your kids push themselves when it’s needed, but don’t try to live your dreams through them. Let them find their own path and passion.”
A Thank You
Both athletes want to express deep gratitude for everything their parents have done for their ski racing careers.
Stef: “Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for loving me through the ups and downs. I am so grateful for everything you’ve done to help me become who I am, both as an athlete and as a person. Thanks for being my best friends.”
Jimmy: “Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without my parents. The financial support alone was huge, all the training, travel, gear. But beyond that, their belief in me, no matter what, made this possible. Thank you for making all the sacrifices and always supporting my journey.”
Thank You. ❤️
Behind every athlete is a community who supports them every step of the way. Your sacrifices, your encouragement, and your love make dreams come true.