Park City, Utah (May 15, 2024) – This past week, U.S. Ski & Snowboard held its annual awards dinner where USANS athletes and coaches were amongst those honored with awards. A big congratulations to winners Erik Belshaw, Alexa Brabec and Colin Delaney!
2024 Ski Jumping Athlete of the Year – Erik Belshaw
Erik’s remarkable achievements this season include being the first-ever American in Men’s Ski Jumping to reach the podium at the Junior World Championships with a 2nd place finish in Planica, Slovenia and some awe inspiring first flights ski flying.
While still officially a junior, Erik made a name for himself this season on the World Cup circuit as well. Excelling on the largest hills in the world, Erik notably flew to 230 meters in Oberstdorf, Germany and finished the season 19th in the world in the ski flying standings. Additionally, he secured a historic 5th place in the Mixed Team event at Junior World Championships alongside teammates Sandra Sproch, Tate Frantz, and Josie Johnson, and has consistently demonstrated his prowess with 20 top 30 finishes across World Cup Team and Individual Events this season.
To top it all off, Erik finished the season in fine form, flying his way into the World Cup final in Planica, Slovenia and also scored the elusive perfect style point score of 20.0 from one of the judges.
Off the hill, Erik continues to show dedication to the sport that goes well beyond his years. The jump he made this season has been a long time coming, and we are excited to see what Belshaw shows us in the future. “I am very proud of Erik and the progress he has made this year. Despite being a teenager, Erik is well beyond his years with his work ethic, professionalism, and desire to be the best in the world. I feel this season was a huge step forward for him and just scratching the surface of what he is capable of. Congratulations Erik!” Ski Jumping Head Coach Tore Sneli remarked.
Erik received a check for $1,000 in recognition of his accomplishments this past season.
2024 Nordic Combined Athlete of the Year – Alexa Brabec
At just 19 years old, Alexa has already left her mark on the sport of Nordic Combined, earning two silver medals at the Junior World Championships in the Normal Hill event and Team Sprint alongside teammate Kai McKinnon. Her stellar performances extend to the international circuits, with a career-best 10th place finish in the World Cup in Seefeld, Austria, showcasing her exceptional skills and competitive spirit. Alexa has also stood on the podium twice in Continental Cup events, adding to her impressive record.
Finishing the season ranked 21st in the world, Alexa Brabec embodies the future of Nordic Combined, and her improvements this year have been thrilling to watch. She has stepped into the role of gender equality advocate alongside her teammate Annika Malacinski, and has bravely taken on the challenge of fighting for Olympic inclusion for women’s Nordic Combined. “Alexa has shown great progress throughout the year. I am really impressed by her will to improve, her professionalism and her constant motivation to take the next step. She is definitely fighting for podiums in the future!” Nordic Combined Head Coach Truls Johanson commended.
Alexa also received a check for $1,000 in recognition of her accomplishments this past season.
2024 Overall International Coach and Development Coach of the Year – Colin Delaney
Colin Delaney is the head coach of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined with the New York Ski Education Foundation. His leadership within the program has helped his athletes soar to new heights.
