Learn more about Ted Ligety's Gold medal win in Torino »
Ted Ligety grew up in Park City, Utah, where he caught the eye of U.S. Ski Team coaches. They watched him for a while before naming him to the U.S. Development Team. Given that opening for international racing, though, Ligety didn't fumble his chance...and the Junior Worlds silver medallist is looking to add to his success on the World Cup circuit.
Update
For anyone wondering what Ligety might do in his first full season on the World Cup, he provided the answer in the first slalom of the winter, finishing 15th at Beaver Creek. "I just skied like I know I can ski," he told reporters...and repeated that formula through the rest of the season, including his first trip to the World Championships. Said Coach Mike Morin after Ligety had the fastest second run in Kitzbuehel, "You can see the other coaches stopping to watch Ted when we're training. They know how fast he is...and what he can become. He's got people's attention." The major goal this season, as he aims at his first Olympics, is to tighten his slalom by gaining even more consistency so he's a medal contender in Torino. He's also looking to keep boosting his giant slalom and his performance in combined.
Start-Up
Ligety was on skis at two and began racing at 11. Skiing is truly a passion for Ligety, who says he skis "for the feeling I get when I'm linking arcs or getting face shots. There is always a variation in every turn and run. I could ski everyday for the rest of my life and never get bored."
First World Cup
Nov. 22, 2003, giant slalom in Park City, UT (DNQ1)
Olympics/Worlds Experience
2005 Worlds: 12th in combined.
Personal
Nicknamed "Ligety Split"... Loves to hang with friends and play all sports, especially enjoys biking and waterskiing... Team Ligety includes mom Cyndi Sharp, dad Bill Ligety and brother Charly, 17...Compares ski racing to Formula 1 racing "as far as the rush racers get, line judgement and carrying speed through turns"... Favorite food is sushi and can often find Tiger Army and Dispatch in his CD player...Enjoys tennis, waterskiing, mountain biking...Favorite food: sushi...Favorite flick: Fight Club...
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Ted Ligety
Born: Aug. 31, 1984, Salt Lake City, UT
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Resides in Park City, UT
Highlights:
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Four top-15s in SL during 2005 |
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First World Cup points in '04 (Kranjska Gora) |
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Slalom silver medallist at '04 Junior Worlds |
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Europa Cup SL win (Kranjska Gora) |
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2004 NorAm slalom champion (2 wins) |
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Two-time Junior Worlds racer |
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