Bryan Fletcher has one of the more inspiring stories in skiing. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age three, Fletcher underwent chemotherapy for seven years, surviving a stroke before going into remission. The dust had barely settled before Fletcher went on a competitive tear, eventually vaulting into the world’s elite nordic combined athletes.

The 2013 season proved to be a good one for Fletcher, who helped capture the USA’s first full-team nordic combined World Ski Championships medal in Val di Fiemme, Italy. In addition to his team bronze, his four top-10 finishes on the World Cup circuit were good enough for 21st in the FIS World Cup standings, the second highest finish for the U.S. behind brother Taylor.

His success in 2013 is all in preparation for an Olympic bid in 2014, and with a resume like Fletcher’s—team bronze at World Champs and four World Cup top-10 finishes in 2013—he looks to be on track for more impressive results.

BRYAN SAYS
The 2013 season I set one clear goal: To walk away with at least one medal from World Championships. It was a tall order, and I knew that accomplishing that would help to propel me into the Olympic season to come. After accomplishing that goal, I am heading into this season with more confidence and experience than ever before. It’s been a long journey since Vancouver, however I am excited that the year for Sochi is finally here, and I look forward to enjoying every step forward.

FIRST TRACKS

Fletcher was skiing by age three and his father, who is still on the Steamboat Ski Patrol, took him up on the mountain almost every day. Growing up in Ski Town USA, he started ski jumping at four, added cross country at six and became a combined skier. As a young boy, he came close to dying of cancer. “The doctors didn’t want me to jump, but I loved it. My mom wanted me to be happy, so I started and I’ve stuck with it.” He successfully beat the cancer and grew into a premiere athlete, competing at Junior Worlds in 2003, ’05 and ’06.

OFF THE SNOW

Fletcher is good at balancing training with quality time outdoors with friends, whether camping, kayaking or road biking. When he is not outside, Fletcher enjoys cooking, experimenting with flavor combinations and creating the nutrition he needs. He also enjoys giving back. A few years ago, he led the Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Team in Training in the Moab Century Tour, helping to raise $450,000 to fight cancer—a cause that he continues to support. Fletcher has also taken his biking to the next level, joining U.S.S.T. teammate Billy Demong on the Cole Sport Racing team. He’s also steadily chipping away at his degree at Westminster College.