Under 23 Questions: Nicole Schneider

Northern Michigan University’s Nicole Schneider (2) leads UVM’s Alayna Sonnesyn and Dartmouth’s Lauren Jortberg (r) in the 15 k freestyle mass start at 2017 NCAA Skiing Championships in Jackson, N.H.

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 20-year-old Nicole Schneider, of Northern Michigan University, who represented the U.S. at her first U23 Worlds (after competing at 2016 Junior Worlds in Romania).

Last week in Goms, Schneider placed 40th in the 15 k skiathlon, 44th in the freestyle sprint and 49th in the 10 k classic.

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“My full name is Nicole Schneider.

I was born and raised in Plymouth, Minnesota, and I learned to ski at French Park with the Minnesota Youth Ski League.

I spent the time between U.S nationals and U23 Worlds training with my teammates and working with professors to make sure I don’t fall behind in my classes!

The hardest workout I did in the last training year to prepare for this was 45 seconds on by 15 seconds off bounding intervals up Mount Marquette with my training partners.

Nicole Schneider training in late January in Goms, Switzerland. (Photo: Hannah Rudd)

This is my first time to Switzerland and third time racing internationally, so far it’s been the most beautiful country I’ve ever been to.

One difference I’ve noticed between Switzerland and the U.S. is the copious amount of snow there is here. Seriously. The snowbanks are taller than me!

Skiing and racing in the Alps is challenging. Usually racing at altitude is hard for me because I live at sea level! But I came to the precamp here so I’ve had no problems adjusting.

One of the things I’m most excited about for U23 Worlds in Goms is to see how I stack up against the other girls my age.

One race I’m especially targeting is the skiathlon because I’ve never done one before!

I really hope I can make friends with someone from Norway and ask them what their secret is.

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

Fondue is… still haven’t had it here yet! The cheese here is exceptional. And the chocolate is to die for.

If I had a totally free day here and didn’t have to worry about race fitness, I’d spend it alpine skiing in the Alps.

The best way to follow me on social media is on instagram at @colieschneider.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bec5CazAjpJ/?taken-by=colieschneider