From Olympic Gold to Olympic Silver: Barbara Cochran on Ski Racing, Mindset & Raising Ryan Cochran-Siegle

Send us Fan MailWe’re revisiting one of our most meaningful conversations — with Olympic gold medalist, ski mom, and mental performance coach Barbara Cochran.Why now? On February 11, 1972, Barbara won Olympic gold in slalom in Sapporo by just .02 seconds. And 54 years to the day later, her son, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, won Olympic silver in Super-G in Cortina.An Olympic legacy — built on a Vermont rope tow.Barbara grew up skiing at her family’s backyard hill, now known as Cochran’s Ski Area — a nonprofit, community-driven mountain where lift tickets are still affordable, race training happens under the lights, and hot chocolate costs $1.50.We talk about:Growing up in a ski racing familyTraining on the legendary rope towThe “Cochran Way” philosophy of excellence without pressureRaising an Olympian as a single momAnd the mindset that wins medalsBarbara’s father believed skiing should be joyful — but that striving for excellence builds character. Before sports psychology was mainstream, Barbara was practicing it. Heading into her Olympic race, she repeated:“I don’t know if I’m going to win, but I know I’m capable of winning.”That mindset carried her to gold — and now informs her work helping athletes who “train better than they race” learn to compete with confidence.We also talk about the financial realities of ski racing, how Ryan nearly declined his U.S. Ski Team nomination due to cost, and the scholarships that helped keep the dream alive.This episode is about more than medals. It’s about:Community skiingRaising resilient kidsKeeping the joy in competitionAnd building confidence that lasts long after the finish lineThe Patio Place and Ski Haus helps you make the most of outdoor living. Stop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com  Check out the gift guide here Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.Email [email protected] and mention SKIMOMS. Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier: 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s ClubSupport the showKeep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!Website: www.theskimoms.coSki Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discountsSki Moms Ski Rental HomesJoin the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook GroupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected]@skimomsfun.com