Lindsey Van has skied her whole life, but her real influence on women’s ski jumping has been her tireless advocacy. Because of her continued efforts and successful ski jumping, she has not only helped put women’s ski jumping on the map, but has also helped put it into the 2014 Olympics.

In 2013, Van finished 10 World Cup events in the top 10, with results as high as fourth place. This season’s results come on top of 44 podiums in the Continental Cup (eight of those were wins), 15 U.S. Championship titles and the first-ever World Ski Championships gold medal in women’s ski jumping.

She was also featured in the documentary, “Ready to Fly”, from acclaimed producer Bill Kerig, which followed the rise of women’s ski jumping and the hard work it took to push the sport to the Olympic level. More importantly, it highlighted Van’s commitment to women’s sports and equality, and cemented her as a legend in the jumping community.

As if her on-snow accomplishments weren’t enough, Van donated bone marrow to someone suffering from leukemia in San Francisco, something she still considers her greatest accomplishment. But in Van’s mind, nothing would make a closer second than an Olympic gold medal in 2014.

LINDSEY SAYS
Last season was hard, but I learned a lot. I had surgeries the past two summers, so I was not able to train like I wanted to before the season. My jumping was not at a high, consistent level all season. I am looking forward to a full year of training heading into the next season.

FIRST TRACKS
Growing up in the era of the 2002 Olympics, Van began ski jumping when she was seven. She started out in a ski-racing program, but was always looking for the jumps. So when someone told her jumps had just been built in Park City for the 1998 and 2002 Olympic bids, she went to watch with her mother and twin brother. The rest is history.

OFF THE SNOW
Van is an outdoor enthusiast who loves to play in the snow – telemark, backcountry, cross country, anything with skis. She also likes photography, cooking and just hanging out with friends. She is studying exercise sport science at the University of Utah and has worked as a physical therapist aide. Most of all, she enjoys being an inspiration to young girls. “I like to go and watch the little kids jumping and help out whenever I can to get more people active in the outdoors.”