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Q&A with Filip Wahlqvist, Defending National Ski Champion
All-American skierĚýFilip Wahlqvist (Fin’27) won the NCAA Championship in slalom and helped lead the Buffs to their 21st National Championship in his first year at Colorado. The Norway native reflects on college skiing’s surprises, small margins when racing, and trusting in himself.
You won four slalom races in 2024, including the national championship. What surprised you about your first year skiing for CU?Ěý
Before I got here, I didn’t think college racing was a big deal. I spent three years trying to go pro in the World Cup after high school. I assumed college facilities were smaller and had fewer resources. When I got here, I was blown away. What we have at CU is 10 times bigger than our Olympic facilities in Norway where the professionals train. You can’t compare it. CU has personal trainers, nutritionists, tutors and advisors. Everything is incredibly organized and professional.
Does defending the National Championship add pressure to this season?
Not really. Every time I’m on the start gate, I’m going for a victory.Ěý
You can’t compare it. CU has personal trainers, nutritionists, tutors and advisors. Everything is incredibly organized and professional.
You race both slalom and giant slalom (GS). What differentiates the two disciplines and how you ski them?
The main difference is the distance between the gates. Slalom is shorter between gates, while GS has longer distances. In slalom, we use shorter skis, knee pads and arm guards. You’re hitting the gates more in slalom, while in GS you go around them more. Slalom skis are 165 centimeters [65”] and GS skis are 193 centimeters [76”]. There’s more action in slalom. The gates come fast, and you need to be precise and focused. Super small margins. You might race for just 50 seconds but cross 60 gates.
How do you balance speed and precision?
GS speed can be about 80 km/h [50 mph], while slalom is like 65 km/h [40 mph]. Speed depends on conditions: icy or soft, the turns, straight or longer courses. But skiing is super technical. It’s probably 80 percent technique, 20 percent speed. If I overthink things, that creates its own stress. You only have two runs (two minutes total of skiing), and one small mistake can cost you.
Is staying calm and confident more from experience or disposition?
I worked with psychological coaches when I was younger because I would ski well in training sessions, but not so much in races. But I’m not sure that worked for me. What helped the most was gaining more skiing experience and finding my mental rhythm. Pressure to win doesn’t have to mean nervousness. About four years ago, all the unnecessary stress just wasn’t there anymore. In alpine skiing, it can be hundredths of a second between 1st and 12th place. I aim to remember that.
Can you tell us more about skiing internationally before you came to CU?
My brother and I were racing in the European Cup. I wasn’t on Norway’s national team, and my club team back home was in other races, so I was on my own a lot. But my brother and I were lucky because we had our dad. He was a World Cup coach for Norway and the U.S. He would set courses for us and go to Italy, France and Germany for races. I had some really good results while racing. After nearly making the national team three times, I decided to race in college and get an education.
What made you want to come here?
My dad went to the University of New Mexico when they had a ski program. He said incredible things about CU. The big three schools for college skiing are Colorado, University of Utah and University of Denver. But Colorado is the best. People help you in both academics and athletics. It was an easy choice when [head alpine coach] Ian [Lochhead] called to ask if I was interested.
Can you share something you’ve learned from coach Lochhead?
To trust in my decisions. I’m far away from home, so I have had to grow up faster and figure things out for myself. If I ask Ian for help, he’s going to do his best to make sure I succeed, but I appreciate how he’s supported me to find trust in myself.
What goals do you have for your future years as a Buff?
To take in the whole college experience: learn as much as possible, make new friends, invest in myself. I love being in the Leeds School of Business. And, of course, with skiing, to do better than last year. Winning the GS. Doing a double — which is winning GS and slalom in one meet — but only if Colorado wins. We all support each other as teammates.
When you’re off the slopes and not training, what do you like to do?
My mom and dad own a golf course in Norway. When I’m home in the summertime, it’s all about golf. As a student-athlete, you’re always busy, so I haven’t played much golf in Colorado — only three times — but I brought my clubs from home.
Photos by Matan Coll
