Picabo Street, 54, the dominant force in American downhill skiing during the 1990s, shares her insights on communicating the nuances of her sport to a global Olympic viewership.
(Photography by McCade Gordon)
Originally published on February 14, 2026, at 2:17 AM.
Before the eras of Lindsey Vonn and Mikaela Shiffrin, the world of American women’s Alpine skiing was synonymous with a memorable name: Picabo (pronounced ‘peekaboo’). Picabo Street distinguished herself as the nation’s top downhill racer in the 1990s, achieving 13 World Cup victories, two world championships, and an Olympic gold medal in 1998. However, her career was also marked by numerous injuries, including torn ACLs, a fractured femur, and countless other knee issues.
Street formally retired in 2002, after making an Olympic return following a major crash. Since then, she has served as a television analyst for NBC during the Winter Olympics and has managed an academy catering to NCAA athletes.
Why Ski Racers Step Away from the Sport
Athletes retire when their bodies no longer respond to the demands placed upon them. For safety and to maintain the required performance level in our sport, a healthy body is paramount. The risks on the slopes are severe; fatalities are a real possibility.
Her Realization That Her Racing Career Had Concluded
The realization struck me in a doctor’s office in Utah. My physical capabilities and mental aspirations had diverged beyond reconciliation. I was in the midst of a comeback, recovering from a broken femur and a blown-out right knee sustained in a single accident. My aim was to compete in the 2002 Olympics once more, but my body’s healing process was agonizingly slow. I couldn’t even perform a basic squat, yet I was expected to withstand 8 G’s in a downhill turn. It was unequivocally time to stop.
Reflecting on Her Decision to Make One Final Comeback
The sensation of speed, of executing those flawless, exact, and deliberate turns across the challenging terrain—it’s truly enchanting. The constant proximity to potential disaster is an integral part of the adrenaline rush, making it incredibly difficult to relinquish. While many self-help books suggest that daily engagement with something frightening is key to personal growth, in ski racing, that challenge presents itself on every single run.
Picabo’s Thoughts on Lindsey Vonn During Her Comeback Attempt
There’s a peculiar sense of calm about her—not one of ultimate happiness or accomplishment—but rather a profound determination toward her comeback. For Lindsey, I believe it’s not solely about the final result. Many don’t grasp how infrequently we’ve witnessed her ski at full capacity, given her perpetual struggle with injuries. Stepping away was a monumental decision for her, and in her final period of competition, she endured immense physical agony, discomfort, and psychological strain.
Discover further details about Lindsey Vonn and her 2026 Olympic return by clicking here
The Challenges of Explaining Ski Racing to an Olympic Spectator Base
Consider walking on a beach: you instinctively know the sand near the water is compact and firm, while the sand further inland is soft. You constantly make minute adjustments with your feet and stride to maintain balance and momentum across these varying textures. Ski racing is precisely like that, but at speeds up to 80 miles per hour, and through every single turn of the racecourse.
Snow conditions on the course are dynamic, fluctuating throughout a race due to changes in temperature, humidity, and altitude. Ski racers are blind to the exact snow consistency in a turn until they are already fully committed at top speed, necessitating continuous, subtle adjustments through each bend. They possess an extraordinary sensitivity to the snow’s surface and how it will interact with their skis. This meticulous attention to detail and constant micro-management is incredibly difficult for the average viewer to comprehend.
Her Current Relationship with Skiing
For me, skiing now must be enjoyable, entertaining, and satisfying. I prioritize the quality of my runs over the sheer number of days on the slopes. Last year, I managed about 25 days, each offering fantastic skiing in memorable locations. My youngest child now effortlessly tackles moguls and glades, often outpacing me. However, on a perfectly groomed trail, the situation is quite different.
Does She Still Challenge Herself on Skis?
Each season, following a summer dedicated to maintaining fitness, I allocate a few days to truly test my limits, thinking, ‘Let’s see what this old girl can still do.’ I ski at the absolute maximum speed my body and mind can handle. My strategy is always to stop when I still have two strong runs left in me, ensuring I can return the following day feeling invigorated.
This piece originally appeared in the Winter 2025 edition of Outside magazine. For those wishing to subscribe to the print publication, you can become an Outside+ member by clicking here.