Hey guys, Nick again aka SkierPT.
His story is intense and his comeback has been special.
I hope you guys enjoy this short read!
For those who dont know your full story, it is truly remarkable for better and worse.
If any, what significant injuries have you had and how did that change your outlook on skiing?
I had to fight through the concussion symptoms for the next 7 years about- maybe longer.
Ive torn my left AC joint 8 times, and my right 4 times.
I snapped my left semi membranous hamstring muscle which wasnt able to be repaired.
I have fractured a vertebra in my lower back.
Tore my right meniscus, which brought my surgery count to 3 right knee surgeries.
I have fractured my tailbone which left a dent in the bone.
Broken noses about 3 times.
And of course the wear and tear that comes with the sport… mostly muscle and soft tissue damage.
Have you had experience with physical therapy?
If so how was it and what was your experience like?
Were you able to recover fully?
Ive done a lot of physical therapy to say the least.
Ive been able to fully recover from all injuries.
Do you still stay in contact with any physical therapists?
Yes, I still see one of the old US Ski Team physical therapists- which is a huge blessing.
Do you look at skiing and the risks any differently now that you are a bit older?
Yes, I am definitely more careful about what I do on skis.
That being said there is always the risk versus reward factor that comes into play.
What is your fitness routine now and how does it differ from when you were younger?
I typically put in about 1-4 hours a day with various activities and gym time during the summer nowadays.
What pushed you to return to comp skiing and what challenges are you facing?
Honestly it was a lot of things.
There was a huge chip on my shoulder with how my career ended.
There was the need for redemption after falling deep into the hold of depression and addiction.
I believe I made the right choice.
Im facing just about every challenge you’re free to think of and more.
I have basically no support, Ive been fighting against every obstacle I could ever imagine… and more.
Financial struggles, overcoming addiction, covid, personal life struggles and mental health challenges to name a few.
Competing again was just as much as it was for me as it was to hopefully inspire.
Do you notice a change in the scene now in regard to those habits?
Yeah, coming up in that scene was, in retrospect, a recipe for disaster.
What is your current favorite rail trick and favorite jump trick and why?
I like to try new tricks on rails as often as possible!
It would have to be winning World Championships in my hometown (Park City, UT.
That felt really amazing.
