“Fast skis are kind of like a black magic,” says Ted Ligety. Alex Martin was Ted’s technician. Alex is a magician.
Ted talks about his tech, and a lot more, in the soundbite above. Have a listen…
Some of you (editors) recently received a pitch from me about this topic. I think it’s super interesting. It’s a character-driven homage to the unsung person who a lot of skiers, and readers, probably don’t think about but who was essential to Ted’s success.
This story, if it comes to life with a proper outlet or on The Ski Phoenix, will celebrate the person who, from behind the scenes, was humbly critical to Ted’s wins. Like pacers for ultra-runners, editors for writers and hitting coaches for pro baseball players, this is the type of nuanced storytelling I’m lit up by, and Ted relished the chance to throw some love at his teammate, tech and friend—Alex.
Years ago I spent time in the subterranean tuning room below the Octagon Lodge in Portillo. Surrounded by legendary signatures on the walls, I listened to the Austrian technicians speak with the skiers like mad scientists about edges, bases and other things. It was next level.
This story idea is rooted in that experience in Chile, when I got a glimpse behind the curtain of ski racing.
When the idea for “Tuned Up” with Ted came up, I texted my best friend from college. His cousin is Ted’s wife. He provided a re-intro to Ted. Ted responded. Last night, we talked.
You might think Ted Ligety has a ton of time because he’s “retired.” Think again. Ligety isn’t traveling the world to bang gates and singlehandedly progress ski racing anymore. Instead, he’s rearing three boys under five and running a business—Shred Optics—from Park City, Utah. But, he was down to talk about his ski tech, among other topics.
And, I had fun listening to him share stories. I hope you like it. Let me know if you (editors) want to run it.
Tuned Up with Ted Ligety