Known as the most successful U.S. male downhiller, Daron Rahlves retired after 13 years on the U.S. Alpine Ski Team following the 2006 Olympic season. Looking to continue skiing he made a transition into big mountain free skiing and ski cross comps. It wasn't long before Rahlves, who had 12 World Cup wins, 28 podiums, and was the winner of the famed Hahnenkamm Downhill in 2003, decided to get back in the gate. This time, he opted for side-by-side mayhem with other skiers in a motocross-like event on skis. Now it’s ski cross and it’s the newest Olympic freestyle event for Vancouver 2010.

The 2009 season was one in which Rahlves put a huge focus on the basics that would enable him to succeed as he headed towards 2010. \"Last year I started training physically and organizing equipment. This next season is fine tuning those aspects and spending more time on show. Rahlves also made it a point to stick closer to home for 2009. \"My priority is my family and just focusing more on the North American events and the pro events, and getting ready this year,\" Rahlves said, adding that this season will be the same. \"I'm working on my weaknesses. My plan is to still stick to North American events and to train so that I'm more ready than I've ever been to compete at the Olympics.\"

Born and raised in Northern California, Rahlves was provided with the perfect training ground to become a world-class athlete in a number of sports. At the age of 12, Rahlves was competing on snow during the winter and on jet skis during the summer. In 1993, he became the Expert World Champion in jet skiing and shortly thereafter was named to the U.S. Ski Team for alpine racing.

Freestyle: Feb. 2, 2008 at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT (4th in SX) Alpine: March 13, 1994 in Whistler, BC (62 in Super G)

2006 Olympics - DNF-1 GS, ninth in super G, 10th in downhill. 2005 Worlds - third in GS, second in downhill, 10th in super G. 2003 Worlds - 16th in GS, DSQ1 in downhill, 22nd in super G. 2002 Olympics - eighth in super G, 16th in downhill. 1998 Olympics - 20th in GS, seventh in super G. 2001 Worlds - 19th in GS, fifth in downhill, super G champion. 1999 Worlds - DNF downhill, 13th super G. 1997 Worlds - DNF-1 GS, 31th in downhill, DNF-1 super G. 1996 Worlds - DNF-1 GS, 22nd super G

A DAD who constantly chases my kids Dreyson and Miley around with my wife Michelle, which equals no sleep and little skiing…building a spec home in Truckee… supports an eco friendly way of living… advocate of youth sports…member on California’s Governor’s Council on physical fitness and sports... Motocross and surfing…skiing ambassador at Sugar Bowl Resort…free ski athlete in Rage Films, Warren Miller Entertainment and ski sponsor Atomic…wearing a helmet cam and filming things for my website

Olympic Sports, Athlete, Award-Winning Athlete, Athletics, Atheism, Sports Adventure,