Name: Ian Torchia

Hometown: Rochester, Minnesota

Country: USA

Age: 21

Sport: Cross Country Skiing

Years in the sport: Competitively since high school

How did you get started in cross country skiing?

First skied the day before I turned 2 with my parents tromping around a golf course. Decided to ski in college and haven’t looked back

Goals for this year?

The OLYMPICS

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Married and competing over in Europe on the World Cup

Favourite athlete?

Mike Torchia

What has been your biggest challenge as an athlete and how did you overcome it?

Broken wrist and mono all within 6 months. There is always hope.

Best advice that you have been given?

“Millions of teenagers get the college experience. Very few reach the top levels of their sport. Be different.” – Devon Kershaw

If you were not an athlete, what would you be doing?

Surfing and mountain biking

Any hobbies?

Badminton, woodworking, Clash Royale

Favourite music?

GWYLO

Favourite book?

Once a Runner – John L. Parker

What does a typical day of training look like?

Eat sleep train study repeat. Run, rollerski, or lift twice a day for 1.5 to 2 hours each

Anything people be surprised to learn about you?

I can’t stick my tongue out

What is the funniest thing has happened to you/others while training?

Oscar Friedman casually cracking open a Mikes Hard during lifting

Any pre-competition rituals?

Praying

Best movie and tv series?

Miracle and Game of Thrones

Favourite food while training?

Clif Bars or bagels!

Results you’re most proud of?

2nd at NCAAs or 11th at Junior Worlds in Kazakhstan

What inspires you?

The promise of snow, the early still mornings where you know you’re the only one training, climbing the top step of a podium, teammates and inspiring the future generations

Do you have a saying or motto you live by?

“Go IN” – Oscar Friedman

What do you enjoy most about cross country skiing?

The 20 degree days with fresh tracks and blue extra conditions where you feel like you could ski forever

Advise that you have for someone starting out?

It’s a long process so you better enjoy it!

What is the most crucial part of your training?

Not being afraid to go hard

Anyone you would like to thank?

Sten Fjeldheim, Mike and Tish Torchia, Kameron Burmeister

Social Media links:

Instagram: @fullytorched

Anything else you would like to share?

Train hard, win easy!

If you want to read more on Ian, be sure to check out the interview he did with FasterSkier