Sixteen Knee Surgeries — And a Return to Skiing When It Should’ve Been Over

What does it take to come back after a body-breaker of an injury—not once, but sixteen times?Chris Anthony is a legendary ski athlete, filmmaker, and adventurer who has stared down more than his fair share of wipeouts, surgeries, and life-altering setbacks. But instead of fading quietly from the spotlight, Chris rebuilt. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually.In this episode, we explore what it really means to recover—not just to return to sport, but to reinvent yourself in the process.You’ll hear Chris talk about:The gruesome reality and mental toll of having 16 knee surgeriesHow he kept skiing—and pushing limits—long after most would have quitHis unforgettable days shooting for Warren Miller ski films (before GoPros and drones)His time skiing across Mongolia with the local military—and the cultural surprises that came with it (hint: fermented horse milk)What he’s building now with the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project (CYIP) to help underserved youth through outdoor educationChris’s story is a powerful reminder that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down. It means getting smarter, tougher—and more intentional with how we heal, move, and lead.⚠️ Host's Note on NutritionIn this episode, Chris shares candid reflections on his recovery journey—including the role diet played for him, which includes red meat. While I personally follow a mostly plant-based lifestyle and believe it's possible to fuel performance without animal products, I also deeply respect the importance of honoring each guest’s lived experience.We don’t have to agree on everything to learn from one another. And I’m proud to share real, nuanced conversations—even when they reflect different paths.🔗 Links & ResourcesLearn more about Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project (CYIP) → chrisanthony.comFollow Chris on Instagram → @chrisanthonyskiWatch the Warren Miller ski films → warrenmiller.comTimeline: Support cellular renewal and mitochondrial function with Mitopure, featuring Urolithin A. Get up to 20% off at timeline.com/AGELESSATHLETE 🚀 Love the show? Here’s how to support it If something you’ve heard here has stayed with you, made you smile, or helped you keep going, I’d be honored if you’d consider supporting the show. 👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/agelessathleteTopics: longevity, fitness over 40, endurance training, aging athletes, recovery, injury prevention 💜 Want to stay strong and capable as you age? Join the Ageless Athlete weekly newsletter for practical ideas, deeper lessons, and insights that don’t always make it into the podcast.Join here → https://agelessathlete.substack.com/subscribeAgeless Athlete is a podcast about healthy aging for people who want to stay strong, active and capable for life. Conversations explore strength, endurance, mobility, recovery, VO2 max, muscle and bone health, and what it takes to keep doing the things you love as you get older.Follow Ageless Athlete — How to Stay Strong, Curious & Capable for Life for new episodes each week.