20. Rory Kelly & Cam Smith: Growth of Skimo, USOPC Work, and Olympic Qualifying Process

What does it really take to bring a grassroots mountain sport onto the world’s biggest stage and advocate for the athletes behind it?

In this episode of Skimo Gold, Travis Macy and Cam Smith sit down with skimo racer, engineer, and Athlete Advisory Council liaison Rory Kelly for a candid look at the rise of ski mountaineering in the U.S. Rory shares how he found the sport later than most, climbed his way onto the national team, and ultimately became the bridge between Team USA athletes and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

From navigating the growing pains of skimo as a new Olympic discipline to pushing for better athlete support, Rory offers an honest, inside look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the sport’s future.

If you’re an athlete, a skimo diehard, or someone who loves behind-the-scenes Olympic stories, this conversation brings the humor, heart, and hard truths of a sport on the rise.

Let's go!

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Skimo Gold is produced by Palm Tree Pod Co.