Nick Goepper was born deep in Indiana Pacers territory. But the three-time Olympic freestyle skiing medalist compares his work ethic to a legendary Los Angeles Laker.
“When it comes to skiing, there’s sort of this Kobe Bryant work ethic side of me that’s really committed,” Goepper said on NBC’s “My New Favorite Olympian” podcast.
Off the snow, Goepper is nicknamed the “Ski Unc” and known for his goofy personality. Whereas his competitors wear ski pants, Goepper often rocks jeans. He even held a “Dream Date” contest on social media to line up matches after the 2014 Winter Olympics.
But on the snow, everything changes.
“That’s my bubble,” Goepper said. “That’s where I can shift into this character of an ultra focused competitor and a place that I’m comfortable being and pushing myself.”
Three-time Olympic freestyle skiing medalist Nick Goepper, who retired from the sport after getting arrested and a stint in rehab, is back in a new discipline after rediscovering his joy in the sport and embracing his unfiltered “Ski Unc” persona.
Goepper, 31, has learned to achieve better balance as he has gotten older.
“I’ve got a lot of other things on my mind and I’m not just fully obsessed with skiing anymore,” he said. “I’m a well-rounded person, you might say. Skiing is just part of my life, but it’s not all that consumes me.”
Goepper opened up about his journey with mental health on “My New Favorite Olympian.” He often does public speaking to spread a message of connection and positivity.
“Would a 14-year-old me be proud of who I am today?” Goepper asked himself. “And would the 14-year-old Nick want me to still chase this dream and chase my goals and be one of the greatest of all time? I think he would.”
NBC Olympics senior editor Nick Zaccardi breaks down Nick Goepper’s return from retirement, his rapid rise in halfpipe, and what it will take to medal in a deep and competitive field at the Milan Games.