Congratulations to Stio Ambassadors and Olympians Paula Moltzan and Benjamin Alexander. They inspired us all with their dedication, drive and competitive spirit while representing their countries on the world's highest stage.
Now that the games are complete, the athletes took some time to share their perspectives on what they learned, felt and experienced throughout their olympic journeys. Check out their pre-games interview with ushere.
From keeping her cool under the pressure on the world's stage to being a key player in the team event, Paula's performance was nothing less than inspiring. Dive into Paula's mind below and find out what she learned about herself and what she is looking forward to next.
What was a performance that inspired you?
I think the most inspiring performance I watched was when Ryan Cochran-Siegel get second place in the super G. It was impressive to watch him perform at the highest level after a challenging start to the season. Also, witnessing him continue his families legacy was so inspiring.
What is something you are proud of from your own olympic journey?
I am proud of how I competed under pressure. You never know what it will feel like to stand in the start gate on the worlds biggest stage and when I stood there I felt confident in my preparation and I am extremely happy with how I competed.
What did you learn from your experience?
I learned a lot from my olympic experience, but I think the thing that stands above them all is the importance to make sure you are having fun while doing your best. The games are one of the most publicized sporting events in the world and it is easy to get wrapped up in the media/ politics. But, being able to push that all aside and truly enjoy competing with all of the best athletes in the world while getting to know them in the Olympic Village was an experience I won’t forget.
Did you meet anyone new/build any new relationships?
Yes, I met some new athletes from other sports that were living in the same village and also got to spend time with a lot of other skiers that I normally only see briefly at the races.
It really hit me that the relationships that you develop along the way are the thing that will last a lifetime. It was nice getting to spend time together playing games with other nations or eating meals together in the dining hall. Normally we see one another briefly on the race days, but we don't get a lot of time to interact and build our relationships since we are focused on the race that day.
What are you looking forward to next?
I am looking forward to the end of this season. We have 5 more weeks of racing left and get to travel to two of my favorite stops on the World Cup tour: Åre, Sweden and Meribel/Courchevel, France.
A few more races to finish off the World Cup season and then I cannot wait to be home in my own bed! The spring weather is always so refreshing, but even more so this year after being cold in China for 3 weeks! After the season I am looking forward to getting back on my bike, floating on the river and planting my garden!
Benjamin Alexander went into the games with one goal in mind: inspiring the next generation of skier racers, especially those of Jamaican origins. Never turning down a challenge, Benjamin set the stage of possibilities for aspiring athletes around the world.
Learn what stayed with Benjamin through his experience and what he is up to now that the games are complete.
What was a performance that inspired you?
Erin Jackson. Her gold medal, after only five years in her sport, demonstrates that there are lots of winter sports that have transferable skills from other, more accessible, disciplines. I’d love people to look at her achievement and start to think laterally with their own skill set.
What is something you are proud of from your own olympic journey?
Qualifying in the face of the adversity of the pandemic. I really really wanted to quit so many times. So many months of training and competition were taken out of my anemic timeline. I’m happy I persevered.
What did you learn from your experience?
Never give up! Even when it looks bleak, almost impossible, keep pushing forward.
Did you meet anyone new/build any new relationships?
Over my two years I’ve interacted with a wide, diverse group of characters. Ski racers from over 30 countries. It’s been fascinating to see each athlete’s relationship to the sport be shaped by their own country’s access to snow.
What are you looking forward to next?
I have a bunch of public speaking engagements lined up for the next year, most of them to charities or young ski/athletic clubs. I’m really excited to share my story and inspire the next generation. I hope to become the president of the Jamaican Ski Federation and use my experience to help the next generation of Jamaican skiers. I’ve already identified the big story of the 2026 games and I’m excited to reveal that to the world.
