Reilly Wahlers, 9, is competing in the United States Ski and Snowboard Association and training with the Duluth Superior Alpine Club. After finishing in the top 10 in her first USA event, Reilly has gone on to finish consistently in the top 5, with two first place victories in giant slalom at Spirit Mountain.
Nine-year-old alpine ski racer Reilly Wahlers is competing in the United States Ski and Snowboard Association. The USSA provides opportunities for athletes in the most exciting Olympic action sports. It is driven by a vision to be the best in the world with an emphasis on building character through strong personal values. The USSA’s programs provide education, development and competition opportunities for young athletes from grassroots USSA club programs up through national teams and the Olympic winter games.
In addition to practicing at Lutsen Mountains, Reilly is training with the Duluth Superior Alpine Club on a regular basis. Her first race of the year was held at Buck Hill on December 11- 12, which was in the midst of a blizzard and was buried in two feet of snow when she arrived in the Twin Cities. On day one of the two-day slalom event, she battled through boot-deep ruts with near zero visibility. Day two brought clear skies, high winds and brutal belowzero temperatures. Competing as a J-5 in her first USSA event on Olympic Dreams run, she finished in the top 10 on both her runs during day one. With first race jitters behind her, she stormed out of the start on her first run of day two and won an impressive third place, remaining in the top five for the rest of the day.
Fast forward one month, Reilly came back for more when she lined up with the rest of the J-5’s at Spirit Mountain for another two day USSA event. Skiing giant slalom, this youngster from Grand Marais ripped full throttle through the icy course winning two first place victories and one second place. Day two brought three tough runs of slalom and she finished in the top five. Reilly loves to ski and go fast and has a lot to be proud of!
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