Gunnar Guilbert – US Ski Team Men’s National Development Group

Getting into the Sports: Family Influence

Gunnar Guilbert’s skiing journey began remarkably early, starting at the age of two, influenced significantly by his father, who was a ski coach. “And then my dad was a ski coach, so I kind of got pushed towards that path a little bit,” Gunnar explained. His early years were spent skiing around the mountain with his family, gradually developing a love for the sport. By the age of ten, skiing started to become more than just a casual activity for Gunnar. He began enjoying it and saw potential for success. Around the ages of thirteen and fourteen, he started to achieve notable results in competitions, reinforcing his desire to pursue skiing more seriously. This period of early involvement and consistent encouragement from his father laid a strong foundation for Gunnar’s commitment to skiing, shaping his athletic journey and aspirations.

Psychological Approach: Working With a Psychologist

Gunnar’s mental approach to skiing is integral to his performance, and this year he has taken significant steps to enhance it by working with a sports psychologist. “I’ve been working with a sports psychologist a little bit this year for the first time,” he noted. This collaboration has helped him focus on mental training, which has positively impacted his results. Gunnar emphasizes the importance of being mentally prepared for races, alongside physical readiness. He believes that mental resilience is crucial, especially in a sport like skiing where progression is non-linear. On days when his performance isn’t at its best, he views these as learning opportunities. “Some runs you have a bad run and you have to learn from it,” Gunnar shared, highlighting his perspective on embracing and learning from mistakes. His approach to races involves maintaining a calm demeanor until about 15 minutes before the start, at which point he psychs himself up to get into the right headspace. This routine helps him balance composure with the aggression needed for peak performance.

Physical Routine & Preparation: Goal Setting

Gunnar’s training regimen is comprehensive, focusing on both physical and mental aspects. He approaches each training session with specific goals in mind to maximize its effectiveness. “I come into training every day with a focus on what I want to accomplish in that session,” Gunnar explained. This structured approach helps him continually improve and refine his skills. On race days, Gunnar sticks to a consistent morning routine, eating the same breakfast and staying as calm as possible. About 10-15 minutes before his run, he shifts gears to get mentally amped and aggressive. This balance of calm preparation and intense focus right before the race helps him perform at his best. Additionally, Gunnar acknowledges the importance of moving past bad races quickly, analyzing what went wrong, and focusing on future improvements. His ability to maintain a short memory and concentrate on the next race is key to his consistency across the season.

Key Takeaways: Commitment to Improvement

Several unique insights emerge from Gunnar Guilbert’s interview, emphasizing his dedication, mental resilience, and commitment to improvement. One significant aspect is his understanding of the non-linear nature of progression in skiing. He views bad days as essential learning opportunities, helping him take steps forward. Gunnar’s work with a sports psychologist has been transformative, enabling him to be mentally prepared and handle the pressures of competition more effectively. His leadership approach involves supporting his teammates, especially those struggling with consistency, by sharing insights and advice from his own experiences and mental training. Gunnar’s admiration for his father and Hunter Brayden underscores the influence of strong role models who demonstrate the level of effort required to excel. His advice to his younger self reflects a mature perspective on the importance of enjoying the process, taking things one day at a time, and not being overly focused on race outcomes. Gunnar’s story highlights the significance of mental preparation, consistent effort, and a supportive environment in achieving success in competitive skiing.