Zoë Taylor – Profile

US Team Member: 2010-2013 Seasons

Hometown: Atlanta, GA and Steamboat Springs, CO
Birthplace: Newton, MA
Birth Year: 1995

USTSA Team Sponsors: Flylow, SCARPA, Global Rescue, CW-X Conditioning Wear, Saucer Wax, LEKI, SporTube,  Osprey Packs, Smartwool Socks

Personal Sponsors: Stöckli race skis, Steamboat Ski Resort, Shred Optics goggles and helmet, Wagner Custom Skis all mountain free ski, Icebreaker wool midweight, Bauerfeind USA MalleoTrain ankle supports, Misty Mountain climbing harnesses, Winn Park ski tuning

My Skiing History:
I began skiing when I was two years old in Vail, CO.  I skied a maximum of about 15 days a year and at age 6 was introduced to Telemark.  “Tele” Ned Ryerson taught me and trained me through my first Telemark Nationals when I was 11, where I received 6th place. I had never skied gates before! The next year, when I was 12, I competed in the NASTAR Nationals where I took 2nd place. The following winter my mom and I moved to Steamboat Springs, CO so that I could be on the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Telemark Team.  At the end of that season I was invited to be a member of the Development Team for the USTSA National Team. My mom and I now spend each winter in Steamboat Springs. 2011 was the first time I was able to compete in World Cup races and I represented my country in France, Switzerland and Norway. I also reached my goal of standing on the podium in the US Nationals in the Women’s Elite category by earning second place in all of the races as well as overall. I joined the A Team for the 2011-2012 season. In 2012 I reached a goal that I thought I would chase for a long time: I won a World Cup race in Steamboat! I am excited and honored to be the current National Champion and US points leader and look forward to what 2013 will bring for the whole US team.

My Goals and Motivation:
I hope to someday reach the podium at World Championships and to represent my country in the Olympics if and when Telemark becomes an Olympic sport. My main motivations are my parents who have been very supportive of me, my brother, Zachary, and my coaches, who help me improve each winter.

Why do I Telemark Race?
I love that I am able to represent my country doing something I am passionate about. I also hope to serve as an inspiration for other young people to pursue things that make them feel good about themselves and live healthy, active lives.Interesting Facts About Myself:
I am an ambassador for Outdoor Nation. I have been a featured speaker for Girl Talk and other youth organizations. I have hiked nearly half of the Appalachian Trail. I also enjoy water skiing, kayaking, and rock climbing.

Competition Results:

2012 Highlights

4th, Women’s, Junior World Championships, Parallel, Espot, Spain
3rd, Women’s, US World Cup, Sprint qualifier, Steamboat Springs, CO
5th, Women’s, US World Cup, Classic, Steamboat Springs, CO
13th, Women’s, Slovenia World Cup, Sprint, Bohinj, Slovenia
14th, Women’s, Slovenia World Cup, Sprint, Bohinj, Slovenia
1st, Elite Women, Vail Sprint Classic 2012, Sprint, Vail, CO

2011 Highlights
2nd Overall, Elite Women, 2011 US National Championships
2nd, Elite Women, 2011 US National Championships, Giant Slalom
2nd, Elite Women, 2011 US National Championships, Classic
2nd, Elite Women, 2011 US National Championships, Sprint Classic
2nd, Elite Women, 2011 US National Championships, Slalom
5th, 2011 Junior World Cup Finals Giant Slalom
13th, Women’s, 2011 World Cup Finals Giant Slalom
3rd, Elite Women, Eldora Sprint Classic 2011
3rd, Elite Women, Steamboat Springs Sprint Classic 2011

2010 Highlights
8th Overall, Elite Women, 2010 US National Championships
4th, Women’s, Sunlight 2010

2009 Highlights
1st, Women’s Citizens, Red Lodge 2009
2nd, Women’s J2, US Nationals 2009
4th Sunshine Race 2009