Visualization with Isaiah Nelson

Isaiah had some interesting things to say about his pre-race routine. Check it out below!

Q: So where did you grow up skiing?

A: Buck Hill Ski Area.

Q: What is your favorite discipline and why?

A: Slalom. I grew up only skiing slalom at Buck Hill so it’s always been my favorite event to ski. The quick tempo makes it such a fun feeling.

Q: How has this season been going so far? Are you on track for the goals you set out for yourself at the beginning of the season?

A: This season started out a little bit rough because of a lower leg injury, so I didn’t start racing until after the New Year, but it has been going very well! I feel like I am already back on track and working on the same things I was working on before the injury.

Q: So where do you see yourself in five years?

A: Hopefully in five years I’ll be skiing on the World Cup. It’s a lot of work to get there but I want to put in the hours to get there!

Q: What is one fun fact that many friends, teammates, and coaches don't know about you?

A: I’m a nerd, and I like school.

Q: If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you first started racing what would it be?

A: Keep working hard, and never forget to enjoy their sport.

Q: If you were not a ski racer what sport do you think you would pursue instead?

A: Probably gymnastics. I did it as a kid and I really like doing flips and balance challenges like the slackline and unicycle.

Q: Which World Cup race would you want to start in the most?

A: Beaver Creek. Racing on home turf seems like it would be so much fun.

Q: Can you walk us through your pre-race routine and describe how you mentally prepare?

A: I like making a few warm-up runs, then I usually take a long time to inspect to make sure I know the course and can be confident in my plan. Up top before I start, I make sure to have plenty of time to stretch and activate my muscles. I also visualize the course a few times and then focus on the technical cue I need to remember to help me ski aggressively down the course.

Q: Finally, we have to know, if you could be any part of a burger what would it be and why?

A: The patty. It ain’t a burger if it ain’t got the meat!