Skiers Giving Back: Julia Kern on Physical and Mental Health

FasterSkier · September 11, 2023

BENNINGTON, VERMONT – FasterSkier is excited to team up with The Memory Clinic to present an evening with Olympic Athletes Julia Kern, Jessie Diggins, and Ben Ogden to discuss the Integration of Physical and Mental Health. On Monday, September 25, in Bennington, Vermont these SMS T2 team members will be on hand to discuss the importance of goal-setting and maintaining motivation for athletes and non-athletes, alike.

The evening’s keynote speaker will be World Championship bronze medalist—and SMS T2 team member—Julia Kern, who will discuss lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, and their role in overall health. Also in attendance will be 2023 FIS U23 champion, Ben Ogden, and Olympic gold medalist, Jessie Diggins, who will be signing copies of her book, Brave Enough (signed copies of which will be presented, free, to the first 50 attendees). The conclusion of the event will also include a Q & A with these SMS T2 team members.

FasterSkier reached Julia for comment on her personal connection to philosophies of physical and mental health: “I think physical and mental health are equally important,” she said. “And often the recovery and self care aspect is overlooked. I find that getting outside to exercising most days boosts my mental health by being active and spending time outside. Equally as important are finding times to recover my body and mind by spending time with family and friends, and doing the activities that make me happy outside of ski training.”

Jessie Diggins—the most decorated American cross-country Olympian—will be at The Memory Clinic signing copies of her book, *Brave Enough* (of which the first 50 event attendees will receive a free signed copy). (Photo: NordicFocus)

“I got into cross country skiing [as a result of] outreach from Jessie Diggins and other SMS T2 athletes,” Kern commented. “They came to one of my club practices and I vividly remember getting to do a speed against Jessie. Little did I know, 10 years later we would be racing at World Champs together, and go to win a Bronze medal! I hope outreach events like this one in Bennington will inspire kids and families that they can dream big and be one of the best skiers in the world, or even just fall in the love with the sport and get to experience the amazing cross-country skiing community locally and beyond!”

The entire staff of The Memory Clinic will be in attendance to answer specific questions from attendees, and to provide an overview of some of the recent achievements in the field of Alzheimer’s disease research, including the FDA-approved medications that are proving effective in slowing the progress of this heart-breaking, degenerative disease.

Support from FasterSkier and SMS T2 also makes possible numerous ski-related giveaways, and music provided by DJ Break Doctor. This is a FREE event, so come join us at The Memory Clinic (357 Shields Drive, Bennington) for a fun and informative evening with these remarkable athletes!