17 Questions for 2017: Patrick Caldwell

Paddy Caldwell roller skiing around Mount Moosilauke in New Hampshire this fall. (Photo: Pat O'Brien) — Paddy Caldwell rollerskiing around Mount Moosilauke in New Hampshire this fall. (Photo: Pat O’Brien)

Welcome to “17 Questions for 2017″, where we are catching up with American and Canadian national-team members before the beginning of the winter season.

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U.S. Ski Team D-teamer Patrick “Paddy” Caldwell was all over the place last year: taking classes and training at Dartmouth College, racing in the west, winning a SuperTour and college carnival in Vermont, traveling to Romania for U23 World Championships, and then back to Vermont, where he finished third in the 15 k skate at SuperTour Finals.

This season will be his last as a U23, and he’s looking forward to concluding that part of his career on home soil in Soldier Hollow, Utah.

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

No major changes since last winter. I was in Hanover this summer taking classes at Dartmouth, now I am back in Stratton with the SMS Elite Team.

2. Biggest change in your training?

Paddy Caldwell trail running in Park City, Utah. (Photo: Simi Hamilton)

This summer I focused more on speed/power than I have in the past.

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

I think my top-end speed has improved since last year.

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

Pat O’Brien, the SMS Elite Team coach.

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

I had an amazing trip out to Colorado and Utah last month first visiting my girlfriend’s family in Loveland, Colorado, then heading to Park City for the annual USST training camp. I love being out west and exploring new places to run and hike.

6. Favorite cross-training?

Trail running.

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

Hanging out at the cabin and paddling around the lake.

8. Song that was your jam this summer?

Hamilton.

9. All time favorite race moment?

Nordic/Biathlon team relay at the Youth Olympic Games in Seefeld, Austria.

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

An excited Paddy Caldwell (Dartmouth College/SMST2/USST) (center), Tad Elliott (SSCV) (l), and Kris Freeman (Team Freebird) during the podium ceremony for the SuperTour men's 10 k freestyle on Feb. 6 in Craftsbury, Vt. (Photo: John Lazenby/Lazenbyphoto.com) — An excited Paddy Caldwell (Dartmouth College/SMST2/USST) (center), Tad Elliott (SSCV) (l), and Kris Freeman (Team Freebird) during the podium ceremony for the SuperTour men’s 10 k freestyle on Feb. 6 in Craftsbury, Vt. (Photo: John Lazenby/Lazenbyphoto.com)

Starbucks VIA and a cribbage board.

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

Soldier Hollow for the U23 World Championships. Its awesome that such a big event is happening in the US and it will be amazing to see all the different teams racing on a home course.

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

Harvey and Diggins.

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

I love the skier lifestyle and am so thankful for the opportunity to pursue ski racing. The biggest sacrifice for me is not being able to see friends and family on the road.

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

I would make skiing 100% doping free.

15. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Coffee. Cereal, yogurt, peanut butter, banana and blueberries.

16. In 5 years, I’ll be ____?

27 and, with any luck, I’ll be happy, healthy and chasing snow.

17. In 50 years, I’ll be ____?

72, skiing with grandkids.