Originally published in the Winter 2020 issue of Spoke+Blossom

Andrew James, 25, is an extreme athlete who enjoys endurance sports that test the limits. And when the limits aren’t high enough, he raises the bar. Such is the case with this international skate skiing competitor who now has his sights on the biathlon — a marriage of skate skiing and marksmanship.

As a young man, James competed in a variety of District 51 high school sports including track and cross-country running. He advanced to the Colorado Mesa University cycling team for three years. James then joined the cross-country ski team for four years (overlapping with cycling for one year), participating as a member of the Rocky Mountain Conference of the U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association.

“I took a lot of strategy from cycling into skiing,” says James. “Judging your perceived effort, making your opponent work for you while drafting, conserving energy and keeping a poker face, because you never want the opponent to see how tired you are. There’s a lot of psychology involved.”

His skate ski racing career with CMU peaked this past March when he was chosen, based on national rankings, to represent the United States in Krasnoyarsk, Russia at the 29th Winter World Collegiate Nationals. The 12-member U.S. skate skiing team was part of an international competition including 58 countries, 11 sports, 3,000 athletes and 5,000 volunteers.

“One of my most memorable moments was leading the entire U.S. team of 200 athletes in the opening ceremony procession right behind the flag,” says James. “Another was 3,000 athletes with big appetites racing to be first in line at the cafeteria!”

James found the three races he competed in “a humbling experience.” An unfortunate spill, sliding ten feet on his face and a broken binding five minutes into the 30-kilometer race proved he had what it takes to be a great athlete.

“I fixed the binding and said to myself, ‘I’ve come 9,000 miles for this race, and I’m not going to stop,’” says James. “I continued to race two hours on my own without any support.”

His overall takeaway is, “There is always more training to be done.” That being said, Russia was really only the beginning of his story. In July, James moved to Soldier Hollow in Utah, the site of the national team cross-country training center and the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympics. Here, he began a dedicated regiment, training for this December’s biathlon national team trials in Vermont.

In addition to the continuation of more than 25 hours per week of intensive strength, speed, cardio and balance training for skate skiing, marksmanship adds the need for muscle memory and shooting with accuracy under pressure.

“You need to learn how to suffer and enjoy the pain!” James laughs.

Holding his breath to simulate being in a race and interval sessions increasing the physical stress on his body helps him improve tolerance. “My ultimate goal is to be an Olympic biathlete and to focus on doing my personal best,” says James. “I am grateful for family and coaches who have always believed in me.”

James sings praises for international events which bring a wide array of cultures and countries together who are working toward common goals while recognizing the sacrifices made by athletes.

“To be a good athlete, you need perseverance,” says James. “Never giving up can translate to everyday life — you can give in to an obstacle or go around it.”

Andrew James: Nordic Skier + Biathlon Olympic Hopeful