- Junior Cody Ling took first place overall at the Junior Olympic Ski competition. Ling has been skiing for 15 years, and devotes five days a week to ski practice. Photos by Dan Hanson
“I completely zone out, and go into my own world. I focus on what I need to do, to put in a good run.”
Junior and Professional Skier Cody Ling competed in the Junior Olympic national ski competition for the fourth consecutive year. Ling finished first place in the overall slope style competition, which consists of two runs of jumps and rails.
“I had a pretty good first run, and after I was tied for first place,” said Ling. “My second run went a lot better, after the second round results I was in first place and really excited.”
Ling has been skiing since he was two years old, and often finds himself out of school and away from home during the season. He has to take independent study classes and online courses to maintain his school work, while balancing his skiing career and relationships.
“It’s fine to be away from home because I have lots of friends through skiing in Colorado,” said Ling. “Skiing is just a fun thing, it doesn’t rule my life. I make choices of what competitions and opportunities I take. But I’m ready to come back after the season.”
Ling’s success in the recent competition and this season has been a result of all the work he puts into skiing. Ling is often at ski parks practicing five days a week. He has the drive and desire to push himself to constantly improve.
“I’m motivated by just how I can keep moving up and forward with my skiing, and also placing well in more nation competitions,” said Ling. “There is always room for me to get better.”
His recent win has presented new opportunities for Ling, and has impressed his sponsors. He recently shot a commercial for Buck Hill, which will air in the fall, and will partake in other advertisements and shoots. Although this is a major win for Ling, he will go back to his ‘normal’ of practice, advertisements, and improving his skill.
“I’ll be doing private park shoots with Rage Films, and spending time at Mammoth in California, and Oregon this summer. I might be getting a coaching job,” said Ling.
