River Radamus: A Legacy Forged in the Mountains
Colorado’s mountains have always been a crucible for resilience and excellence, shaping both soldiers and world-class athletes. At Copper Mountain, this history converges in the story of River Radamus, a U.S. ski racer preparing for the Olympic Games in Italy. He carries not only his own ambitions but also the profound legacy of the 10th Mountain Division – and, most personally, his grandfather.
From Chasing Autographs to Olympic Aspirations
Radamus grew up immersed in the Colorado ski scene, once eagerly seeking autographs from World Cup racers. Now, he’s poised to represent the United States on the Olympic stage, feeling the weight of a history far greater than the competition itself. “I ski with all of that on my shoulders, knowing that I’m skiing for so much more than myself,” he reflects.
Camp Hale and the 10th Mountain Division
Just a short distance from Copper Mountain lies Camp Hale, the historic training ground of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division during World War II. This specialized unit, trained in high-altitude and ski warfare, deployed to Italy in late 1944. The proximity of this historical site is a constant reminder for Radamus. “Having that history right behind us, it’s something that’s always front of mind when we come to Copper.”
Elite Training and a Heroic Grandfather
Keli Schmid, an archivist with the Denver Public Library specializing in the 10th Mountain Division, explains the unit’s unique origins. “The 10th Mountain Division was the first U.S. Army division to do high altitude and ski training, so that immediately set them apart.”
Among those elite soldiers was Private First Class Joseph G. McNealus – River Radamus’ grandfather. Military records reveal McNealus earned a Bronze Star for his extraordinary bravery in Italy, rescuing a wounded soldier under intense fire. Schmid reads from the citation: “’by his courageous disregard of his own life in moving through most deadly fire to care for his comrades, McNealus had earned the admiration of all who know of his action.’”
A Legacy Beyond the Battlefield
After the war, McNealus returned home and, like many 10th Mountain veterans, played a pivotal role in popularizing skiing across the United States, contributing significantly to the growth of the American ski industry. Though Radamus never met his grandfather, the connection remains strong. “He was guarded when he came back. He didn’t talk a lot about it,” Radamus shares. “But me and my cousins, we always are sending each other articles, recounts of different battles, and trying to understand the things that he went through.”
Full Circle in Italy
Now, decades later, that legacy is coming full circle. Radamus will compete in Italy on slopes near where the 10th Mountain Division once fought. Schmid notes, “For River to go back there and now represent our country again, it is a full circle.”
Radamus feels the weight of this history with every run. “It’s heavy and it’s sort of a cool feeling to be part of that in some small way,” he says. “It’s something I’m super proud of to carry on that legacy and to continue the heritage of skiing and ski racing for my family.”
You can learn more about the 10th Mountain Division at the 10th Mountain Division Association website.
