We now spotlight Olivia Skillings of Maine Coast Waldorf. She cruised through the warmth and soft snow at Quarry Road and won both the Class C Classical and 
Freestyle races. We asked her about the conditions, her reaction to winning, and her preparations.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
The week before the state meet I trained with my team and we did some shorter intervals to help get us ready. I also tried to sleep as much as possible and stay hydrated in the week leading up to the races.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I am always a little nervous before a race, but the states races are about the team, and I knew that I was surrounded by a bunch of great coaches and teammates who were going to try their hardest to win. I just tried to stay calm and trust all the training I had done throughout the season.
3) What was going through your mind at the starting line knowing that the conditions were soft and warm?
I raced in similar conditions last year so I sort of knew what to expect, I just tried to stay light and quick on my skis, and trust my wax, which was excellent.
4) You won both the classical and freestyle races. What do you attribute your fast races to? What was your reaction to winning?
I would definitely attribute my success to all my coaches who have taught me to love the sport and not take myself too seriously. My team is also very supportive and we always have so much fun together which I think is really important. I also trained a lot over the summer which definitely helped. I was really excited to win, but I was even more excited when I saw how well my teammates did, especially in classic.
5) What was it like winning the state championship as a team?
It was such an amazing feeling to win as a team, knowing that all of our hard work finally paid off and I’m so proud of all of them, it was really a team effort! I am especially happy for the seniors. We will miss all of them next year.
6) What are some of your best memories from ski racing this past season?
My favorite memory from this year was when our team swept the podium (1 through 4) in the classic race at states. Standing on the podium with my teammates is something I will never forget.
7) What is your favorite part about skiing and ski racing?
The ski community is so amazing, and definitely one of my favorite parts about skiing. Many of my closest friends I’ve met through skiing.
8) What are your plans for next year?
Next year I will continue to run and ski with my high school team.
9) What were your goals for this season and did you achieve them?
Most of all I wanted to improve. I was definitely hoping to win a State title, individually and as a team.
