Crash+Burn Resilience: My Unforgettable Youth Olympic Games Experience
January 25, 224 - My ride at the Youth Olympic Ski Cross was a wild adventure from the slopes of Gangwon, South Korea, to the podium, where dreams clash with reality. I’m Walker Robinson, 17, and here’s my story about guts, glory, and the silver lining that came with a serious twist.
It all started with a crazy drive through a blizzard. Adrenaline was pumping, and we had to make it through. After that, it was a marathon flight across the country to San Francisco and then to Seoul. Finally, 24+ hours later, we rolled in on a bus to Gangwon, South Korea. Athlete housing was a welcome sight, a safe place in the middle of the storm that was the Youth Olympic Games.
Security checks and military guards everywhere reminded us this was a big deal. The vibe was super intense, with 1,900 athletes from 79 nations, all united by our dreams and determination. Ukraine's presence hit hard—a reminder of their resilience given the tough times back home. Every day, we took a 90-minute bus ride each way to the Welli Hilli resort, where the ski cross events took place.
It was freezing, and the wind was whipping; the course was awesome. My buddy Morgan Shute and I were determined to make a name for ourselves on those snow-covered hills. But things went sideways real fast. My Swedish opponent wrecked us; he got red-carded and was hauled away in a medical sled, but the damage was done. I wiped out HARD in a way that could’ve ended it all for me. But nope, I wasn’t about to quit. With every inch of my body screaming at me to stop, I fought through the pain, driven by pure stubbornness and my burning desire to win.
When I finally crossed the finish line, it hit me: we snagged the Olympic silver medal! It was the sweetest win ever! Up on the podium, I felt all the feels. I was completely overwhelmed with emotions; I felt so much pride standing there in front of the world, representing the USA decorated in red, white, and blue. But even with the cheers all around, a silent battle was happening inside me. The adrenaline wore off, the pain hit hard, and I realized something terrifying—my back was not okay and I could hardly walk. Turns out, two weeks later, I learned I had officially fractured my back!
The media interview moments after the medal ceremony captured the raw, crazy emotions of my journey. It blew up online, hitting home with fans and dreamers everywhere. Standing on the podium, I was overwhelmed by an intense mix of joy and agony. Tears streamed down my face, reflecting the worst pain and the best feeling all at once.
It was a huge moment for my coach, my dad, Rodney Robinson, and my mom, whose cheers and videos will keep that day alive forever. Together, we celebrated a win that was more than just about medals—it was about my unbreakable human spirit.
Looking back on that day in Gangwon, I don’t just see a silver medalist. I see a guy who faced a huge challenge and came out as a champion and a symbol of hope, courage, and patriotism. This is my story, and it’s only just getting started.
Walker Robinson - 2024 Youth Olympic Games Gangwon South Korea, Patriot, Silver Medalist, Ski Cross, Morgan Shute, Rodney Robinson, NBC Sports Olympic Moments