Golden Valley Teen Skis In Major Race

Lauren Samuels, a teenager from Golden Valley, says she was on skis when she was two years old. Now, years later this former Hopkins High School student is on her way to Italy to compete in the World Junior Alpine Championships.

“It’s an honor,” she said. “I know the level of competition will be high and I hope to ski well.”

At 19-years-old, Samuels lives in Utah where she trains full time with the Rowmark Ski Team. She is one of only seven girls in the United States selected to compete in the world event.

While the invitation to this competition is a milestone in itself, Samuels says it could be an important stepping-stone in her skiing career.

“Some athletes from the World Juniors go on to World Cup events and ski internationally,” she said. “Some end up in the Olympics.”

Samuels says she would love to ski for the U.S. Olympic team some day, but right now she is focusing on the big race in Italy.

“One step at a time,” she said. “One step at a time.”

Her parents, David and Heidi Samuels, and her grandmother, Judy Hoover, plan to fly to Italy to cheer on their favorite skiing star as she competes February 29 – March 9.

“We are so proud of her,” Hoover said. “She is so talented and I’m happy she is following her dreams.”

Skiing is rooted in the Samuels family. Lauren’s mother skis, her father is the director of a Minnesota ski team, Team Gilboa and her brother currently skis for Dartmouth.

“When my brother and I were little we skied in our front yard all the time,” Samuels recalled. “We even practiced inside, teaching ourselves how to fall and get back up again.”

By the time Samuels was eight-years-old, she was racing. 

“I had success pretty early and I really loved the sport,” she said. “Ever since then, I’ve dedicated a big part of my life to it.”

Now, she faces her toughest competition yet. The World Junior Alpine Championship brings together the best of the best. Athletes from 60 countries will race in the event, and Samuels hopes to have an impressive showing.