Get to know: Alexa Brabec (USA)

15-year-old Alexa Brabec from the USA is next up in our series “Get to know”. Starting for the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, she gained her first international experience at the FIS Youth Cup in Oberstdorf in 2018. Last season had the next steps in store for her: she debuted at her “home” Continental Cup in Park City, took the trip overseas to be a part of the Continental Cup weekend in Eisenerz (AUT) and had her first experiences at title events: the Youth Olympic Games and the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships.

How did you start with skiing / Nordic Combined?

My parents got me on skis when I was around two years old. I quickly fell in love with skiing and joined the winter sports club, although I didn’t immediately join Nordic Combined program. I started off in a ski racing program then moved to moguls and freestyle before trying ski jumping. Our club hosted small jumping events that were open to any ski athletes and you could compete on alpine skis. I did that for a couple years before deciding I wanted to train for Nordic Combined full time.

Why did you pick Nordic Combined as your sport, what fascinates you most about it?

I was definitely drawn to this sport because of the excitement of jumping. Any jumper will say it is one of the best feelings to fly through the air, but I also love the technical aspect where every slight change to technique can be a couple meters farther and the on top of the world feeling after completing race.

What do you have to work harder on, the ski jumping or the cross-country skiing?

I got into the cross-country skiing a little after I started jumping so I have had a little less time to practice it, but also ski jumping is so technical and is always needing another touch up.

What was your greatest/best/most exciting moment in Nordic Combined so far?

The Youth Olympics were definitely the most exciting and coolest moment I have experienced so far.

Follow Alexa on Instagram here