Under 23 Questions: Molly Gellert

In an effort to showcase the North Americans who competed at last week’s International Ski Federation (FIS) 2018 Nordic Junior/U23 World Championships in Goms, Switzerland, we asked those qualifying athletes several questions about themselves — actually, we had them fill in the blanks. Here we have 17-year-old Molly Gellert, of Alaska Winter Stars, who represented the U.S. at her first Junior Worlds. 

Last week in Goms, Gellert qualified for the freestyle sprint heats in 21st and went on to place 18th overall. She also placed 40th in the 10 k skiathlon.

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“My full name is Margaret, but you can call me Molly.

I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and I learned to ski at 7 years old.

I spent the time between U.S. nationals and Junior/U23 Worlds explaining to my teachers why I’d be missing two weeks of their class.

The hardest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was bounding intervals with my team and coach Jan.

This is my second time in Switzerland and third time racing internationally, and so far it’s been grand.

One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. are the duvets.

Skiing and racing in the Alps is picturesque. Usually racing at altitude is tough for me because I live at sea level. There are beautiful mountains around where I live.

One of the things I’m most excited about for Junior/U23 Worlds in Goms are the challenging courses on real snow.

One race I’m especially targeting there is the skiathlon.

I really hope I can chat/make friends with someone from Norway and ask them to adopt me.

My favorite thing at the breakfast where we are staying is the bread.

Fondue is not my favorite. The cheese here is authentic. And the chocolate comes in huge bars.

If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness or training, I’d spend it starting my homework.

The best way to follow me on social media is on Instagram @molly.gellert.”