17 Questions for 2017: Adam Loomis

1. Biggest change in your life in the last five or so months since the ski season ended?

This year I spent April and May at an internship in Denver. The opportunity arose from one of USA Nordic’s sponsors, Basin Holdings. It was a totally new experience to work in a business setting – and great to gain some real world work experience. I really enjoyed my time in Denver and the office team that I worked with… but, at the end of the day, this time reaffirmed that life as a full-time athlete beats working in just about any office!

2. Biggest change in your training?

This summer, we committed to an extended training camp in Europe. After Summer Grand Prix competitions in August, I stayed overseas with some of my teammates until late October. We rented an apartment near Planica, Slovenia, which is arguably the best venue for Nordic Combined in the world. Our coach, Martin Bayer, lives there now, which worked perfect. It was really beneficial for everyone – and a blast!

3. Major areas of improvement you’ve seen so far?

With the help of our new coach, Nik Huber, I put increased focus on strength training this summer. I’ve made some big headway improving the strength and speed of me legs. Of course the key will be to show it this winter!

4. Whom you’ve been working closest with this offseason (coaches or training partners)?

Overall, whether we’re in Park City or training overseas, we do most of our training as a team – which is key to our success. That said, when I’m in Park City, I probably do the most training with my brother, since we live together and his schedules been more lined up with mine this year than in the past.

5. Best trip in the last five months (and why)?

As I already mentioned – the time in Slovenia was great. A cool part of this was when we took trips from our base to train at other venues. Later in the trip, we spent a few days in Ramsau, Austria and nearly a week in Oberstdorf, Germany. It was so nice to have these trips be separate excursions, rather than just the next hotel room that we had to haul our packed duffel bags into – like it normally is when we’re on the road for a long time.

6. Favorite cross-training?

Backcountry skiing on bluebird spring days.

7. Favorite non-athletic activity or pastime this summer?

Cooking (and eating) are honestly some one of my favorite activities. Fortunately, I’m not a special jumper.

8. Song that was your jam this summer?

Aquarius Apocalypse by Stop Light Observations

9. All time favorite race moment?

The first time I scored World Cup points, in Chaux-Neuve, France. I put myself into a great position after challenging conditions on the jumps, so I knew I had an opportunity to finish in the top-30. The crowd lining the narrow strip of race course was so loud that I didn’t hear anything from my coaches until the last lap – when I heard that I was just outside the top-20. In the end, I finished 21^st – and it’s also worth noting that if my teammate Bryan Fletcher hadn’t caught me and set a good pace for a few laps, I don’t think I would have finished where I did.

10. First thing you pack in your bag when you leave for Europe?

I would say my passport, but that would be a lie… My most important non-equipment item is my Kindle. It’s one of the originals, for books only, and one of the few distraction-free relaxation activities these days.

11. Venue/event you’re most excited to visit this season?

The 2017 World Championships in Lahti, Finland. Making the team and performing well there are among my top goals for the season. Having experienced the atmosphere at the annual Lahti World Cups, I know the Championships will be incredible.

12. Who will win the World Cup title this year?

If he is able to stay healthy, youngster Jarl Magnus Riiber (NOR) will be hard to beat. He already proved that at Summer Grand Prix, but he has a habit of dislocating his shoulder which might dampen his season.

13. Biggest sacrifice you feel you’ve made choosing this career path?

Not taking the “traditional path” of going to college right after high school. I’ll be able to complete my degree with DeVry University online while I’m still skiing, but we really miss out on the social side of college. However, I think the experiences, friendships and opportunities that Nordic Combined have offered me are well worth the tradeoff.

14. If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be?

I wish we could make it more visible in the US, whether by offering EuroSport in the US, or getting us into the ESPN rotation. If I made the Sport Center top-10, I’d know I made it.

15. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Oats with homemade applesauce, strawberries, banana and walnuts.

16. In 5 years, I’ll be ____?

Panicking about being nearly 30. Definitely still involved in Nordic Combined, whether as an athlete or otherwise remains to be seen.

17. In 50 years, I’ll be ____?

Won’t we all be on Mars by then?