Photo by: Media Relations
Travel and success are two things that DU alpine skier and team captain Leif Haugen has grown accustomed to in his already prolific skiing career.
In his freshman year, the Norwegian-born Haugen led DU to the national championship last year, while also earning personal accolades such as First Team All-American and Pioneer Sportsman of the Year.
Haugen enters his sophomore year at DU looking to build off his past success. Last year, he was named team MVP and freshman of the year after he finished second in the giant slalom in the NCAA championships.
Haugen’s success is not limited to America. A road warrior, Haugen placed No. 26 in his FIS World Cup debut last month in Soelden, Austria.
“The greatest moment so far in my career would be placing in the top 30 in the World Cup last month,” Haugen said.
Haugen skied for his native country of Norway at the event, competing in the men’s giant slalom. Haugen finished his first run in 1:12:97 and improved on his second run, finishing in 1:12:75. With those times he earned a total of 26.56 FIS points, placing him No. 26 amongst all skiers.
“It went really good,” Haugen said. “[I] took advantage of my debut and got some points to qualify to be in the top 30.”
Despite his early success with the Denver ski team and individually on an international stage, Haugen believes there are still areas to improve upon.
“I have to keep on working hard on my technique and get better physically if I want to make the Olympics [in February],” Haugen said. “If I can make it to the Olympics I don’t just want to sit there, I want to make results. Being in the top 10 is a goal I have for myself.”
While Haugen is open about his Olympic aspirations, he acknowledges his responsibility as a team captain for DU.
“Right now I am playing in two fields, one for myself and one for my team,” Haugen admits. “I want to win more NCAA championships here as well as become a top international skier for myself.”
The constant traveling could cause some athletes to deteriorate, or break down, but Haugen has adapted to being in constant motion.
“I competed a lot before I came to DU,” Haugen said, “so I am adjusted [to] the back and forth travel between America and Europe.”
Haugen has found more than skiing success at DU.
“I want to challenge myself mentally rather than just at sports,” Haugen said.
“The school system is totally different here. In Norway, you have a final, which is basically 100 percent of your grade. Here the classes require more discipline and as an athlete you will miss some classes, and you have to learn to keep up.”
As he continues his triumph as a skier, Haugen is aware how important success in the classroom is to his future.
“For the future, I want to graduate with a degree from here and then look to develop myself as a skier,” Haugen said.
As for the immidiate future, the upcoming ski season, Haugen has only one plan.
“This year I want to establish myself as a top-national skier.”
