Video

“Trailblazer” with Megan McJames

Megan McJames first dreamed of going to the Olympic Games when she was 8 years old. She started skiing at age 2, and joined the Park City Ski Team at age 8. 

In 2010, her dream became a reality when she qualified to compete in the Vancouver Games in Slalom and Giant Slalom. But in 2012, she was cut from the US Ski Team—it looked like the end of her ski career. 

But instead of throwing in the towel, McJames sought out to do what no one in Alpine skiing had done before: qualify for the Olympics as an independent skier. 

In order to qualify to ski in the Olympics, athletes have to rack up enough points on the World Cup circuit. There’s no rule that states athletes need to ski on the US Ski Team to compete, but the cost of gear and travel (which the US Ski Team covers for their athletes) to compete on the World Cup makes it near impossible for most skiers. “Trailblazer” follows McJames’ tireless and historic journey to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2014 and 2018, determined to continue her ski career on her own terms. It’s an inspiring story, one of grit and determination, and a fierce love for the sport. 

“It’s a journey I hope my 8 year old self would be proud of,” she says.

Trailblazer is now available for streaming online on Amazon Prime

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