An Olympic Testimonial

The adrenaline rush from racing down a mountainside at 40-50 miles per hour is a familiar feeling for Bellevue, Washington native and former Olympic skier, Libby Ludlow…and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Since discovering her love for skiing at the age of 2, Libby showed early signs of drive and determination. She began racing three years later and entered into the FIS level of ski racing by the age of 15.

After winning her first National Title in 2004, injuries plagued her the following season. “After nine years on the U.S. Alpine Ski Team and three knee surgeries, I have painful arthritic knees”, Libby explains. “I've discovered that slipping a hand warmer under my race suit on my knees keeps them warm enough in cold weather to relieve much of my pain”.

Libby was surprised to find how effective this method was in her recuperation process. “In a matter of 10 months, I overcame a major surgery in order to compete in the 2006 Olympics—keeping my knees warm and more comfortable during my training and competitions helped make it possible. I can't believe the difference the warmers made!”

Her recuperation and love of the sport enabled her to be chosen as a member of the 2006 U.S. Olympic Ski Team, and given the honor of representing her country in Torino, Italy. By battling back from injury, she helped lead the team into one of the most notable periods in women’s skiing history.

Since retiring from the sport in 2008, Libby has not slowed down. Shortly after walking away from competition, she graduated Dartmouth College with a degree in Philosophy. She also worked as an analyst and reporter for several television stations, assisting in coverage of the alpine skiing events during the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada. She is also actively involved in the skiing scene as a guest coach for the Crystal Mountain Alpine Club, as well as giving private instruction. She has been known to improve students performances in as little as two hours with her skilled technical instruction.