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 lineStop by Salem, Woburn, or Framingham, and head to skihaus.com to check store hours and get exact locations. Find your perfect family-friendly mountain stay—or list your own! 👉 Browse or list at Ski Mom Family Rentals Register by August 15, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip.Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot. Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. Support 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