Dubuque’s Link a skiing champion

DUBUQUE - Denver Link has never known a winter without skiing.

'I've been skiing since I was three years old,” said Link, a junior at Wahlert High School. 'My dad was a big skier and wanted to get me involved. I immediately fell in love with skiing and the rush of flying down the hill.”

Link has raced competitively since he was six years old, when he joined the race team at Sundown Mountain. From there, he has progressed to compete at the national level in Colorado.

Last winter, Link traveled to Aspen Snowmass Resort in Colorado for the NASTAR National Championships, where he was crowned the national champion for the 16-17 age group.

'It's a great experience to compete at that level and see where I stack up against other skiers my age,” Link said. 'It's fulfilling to know that I can keep up with the skiers who grow up skiing on those mountains all year long.”

Last month, Link returned to Colorado where he once again competed in the NASTAR National Championships, this time at Steamboat Resort. Heading into the race, Link knew he had a target on his back.

'Last year, I went in as the underdog,” Link said. 'People knew who I was this year. I just had to focus on myself and not what others were doing because I know what I am capable of.”

Link was once again crowned national champion.

'Last year's experience definitely gave me confidence and prepared me for the race this year,” Link said. 'I raced how I knew I could, and it was a great feeling to win again.”

Unlike some of the other racers at the event who ski year-round and attend skiing academies, Link also plays football and baseball. During Wahlert's first football game in the fall, Link broke his leg, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

By the time ski season rolled around, Link felt like he was close to one hundred percent.

'I felt like something was different, but it really didn't affect my performance,” he said.

Despite being the two-time reigning national champion in his age division, Link isn't satisfied.

'It's cool to get recognized, but it's just preparing me for something more,” Link said. 'It's all just motivation for what's next.”