This Father’s Day, let’s learn a tip or two from former Olympic downhiller Daron Rahlves.
Some dads take their kids to the playground at the park. Four-time Olympian Daron Rahlves, a Flylow athlete, always preferred the mountain’s playground instead. “With skiing, there’s an element of freedom,” Daron says. “You get that feeling of flight. It’s nature’s playground.” His twins, Miley and Dreyson, are teenagers now and some of the best skiers on the mountain.
But that’s not what matters to Daron. “I want them to find challenges and step up, but it doesn’t have to be skiing,” he says.
The most important thing Daron has passed down to his kids? Resilience and drive—in whatever they’re doing. “In my family, grit is a big thing. That’s how our dad raised us,” Miley says. “Doing things you’re uncomfortable with, you’re going to hate it at times. But once you do it, it’s a good experience.”
Adds Daron: “I love the word grit and what it stands for. When you’re faced with challenges, step it up. I try to pass that onto my kids. How much are you willing to fight for something?”