Discipline: Alpine
Olympic Participation: Beijng 2022
 

Katie Parker trainined and competed in Alpine skiing and represented her school, Wesley College, at Interschools. From 15 years of age she started training and competing overseas to pursue her ski racing aspirations. 

She based herself in the USA after finishing Year 12 forging a hugely successful college career with the University of Utah ‘Utes’. Katie competed in the US University, Nor-Ams, and US National Championships, achieving top 10 results. 

Her long road to become an Olympian was almost foiled by the pandemic, missing the giant slalom due to COVID-19 testing issues and only being cleared hours before she took the start line in the slalom at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

In her own words in 2023, Katie reflected on her career. 

“Reflecting upon my journey in ski racing and my time with the National Team, I consistently prioritised my own growth and development, focusing on what was right for me. I never focused on getting named to the national team, for instance. I firmly believed that if I maintained my happiness and performed at a high level, I would earn a place on the national team.

Among many moments, the one I am most proud of is overcoming the challenge of contracting COVID-19 two weeks before the Olympics. This became the biggest mental hurdle I had ever faced. Upon learning of my selection to the Olympic team, I contracted the virus, realising that my ability to compete was at risk.”

For the following two weeks, I underwent continuous testing, hoping for a negative result. Each day brought with it a mix of anxiety and hope, as I eagerly waited for my test results.

Reaching the last possible day for me to make the journey to China, I found myself with little hope.

However, on that day, I received the long-awaited negative test result. The flood of emotions I experienced in that moment was indescribable and incomparable to anything else. Despite my mental and physical exhaustion, I headed to China, only to test positive upon arrival. 

Lack of sleep and jet lag added to the strain, and I underwent further testing throughout the night.

In the early hours of the morning, just before the slalom event, I received a call at 5:30am, informing me that I was negative and cleared to compete. Immediately, I felt an immense pressure to perform at my best. I made it up to the hill and as I stood at the start gate, I collected every ounce of determination within me and pushed forward, giving my all despite the challenging circumstances.

The sense of pride I hold for myself in that moment will forever remain with me, and I am profoundly grateful to my family and the staff at the Australian Olympic Committee who supported me throughout this ordeal.

Looking back, these moments of triumph during adversity exemplify the resilience and fortitude I have cultivated throughout my ski racing journey.”