Paula Moltzan: From Rejection to Olympic Glory

CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy – Paula Moltzan’s story is a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. The sole American Alpine skier at the Olympics to secure a medal while still competing, Moltzan’s journey is one of overcoming adversity and proving doubters wrong. Even Mikaela Shiffrin acknowledges Moltzan as a formidable giant slalom competitor, a constant threat in any race, and a cherished friend.

A Near Miss and a Remarkable Comeback

While Shiffrin currently holds a slight edge in the season standings for giant slalom, Moltzan’s performance has been consistently impressive, with three podium finishes this season despite a couple of unfortunate disqualifications. Her bronze medal-winning slalom run in the team combined event, alongside Jackie Wiles, further solidified her status as a top-tier athlete. This success is even more remarkable considering a pivotal moment in her career: being cut from the U.S. ski team 11 years ago.

A panel of experts, tasked with identifying talent, deemed Moltzan insufficient at the age of 21. After years of dedication, national junior camps, and attempts to break into the professional circuit, she received the disheartening news that her dream might not materialize.

From the Slopes to the Classroom and Back Again

Undeterred, Moltzan enrolled at the University of Vermont, excelling as an NCAA skier while pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in chemistry, initially with plans for medical school. However, the allure of the slopes proved too strong. She put her academic aspirations on hold and relentlessly fought her way back onto the national team, eventually becoming a star.

“I can’t imagine this team without her,” says Anouk Patty, chief of sport for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, highlighting Moltzan’s invaluable contribution to the team.

A Raw and Honest Account

While the narrative often portrays a clean and inspiring comeback, Moltzan doesn’t shy away from the pain of her past. “Am I grateful for how my departure from the U.S. ski team was? No, I absolutely hated them,” she confessed. “They told me they didn’t believe in me and didn’t think I had a future in the sport.”

Despite this setback, Moltzan persevered, earning a gold medal in the team event at the 2023 World Championships and a bronze in the giant slalom last year. Now, she adds an Olympic medal to her impressive collection.

The Visionaries Who Recognized Her Potential

Bill Reichelt, head Alpine coach at UVM, recalls his assistant coach, Tim Kelley, recognizing Moltzan’s potential early on. Kelley, a member of the renowned Cochran skiing family, immediately saw her ability to compete at the World Cup level. “He came over to me and said, ‘Dude, she could make second runs in a World Cup, 100 percent,’” Reichelt shared.

Moltzan honed her skills at Buck Hill in Minnesota, learning from Erich Sailer, who also coached Lindsey Vonn. The key, Reichelt explains, was developing “the governor” – the mental fortitude to balance risk and control.

A Supportive Network and a Renewed Passion

After graduating from UVM, Moltzan’s determination remained unwavering. With the support of her husband, Ryan Mooney, who served as her coach and equipment manager, and her parents-in-law, who provided financial assistance, she embarked on a second attempt at a professional career.

The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly provided the space for Moltzan to refocus and reignite her passion. “All that time at home made me miss what I couldn’t do,” she explained. “Ski racing is what I wanted to be good at.”

A New Era for U.S. Skiing

Magnus Andersson, a Swedish coach who joined the U.S. women’s technical team, recognized Moltzan’s talent at a Nor-Am race and secured her a time trial opportunity. She qualified and finished 17th, marking a turning point in her career. Andersson noted that the COVID months were transformative for Moltzan, allowing her to strengthen her skills and return stronger than ever.

Today, Paula Moltzan embodies perseverance and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. Her journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks can be overcome with dedication, support, and an unwavering belief in oneself. The U.S. ski team is now fortunate to have her as a driving force in their women’s tech team.

Read more about Paula Moltzan and her inspiring journey at The Athletic.