Legaski3 Mar 2025

87. The Grit to Win – Andrew Kurka’s Path to Paralympic Gold Medals and More!

In this episode of the Legaski Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Kurka, an elite sit-skier on the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team and a multiple-time Paralympic medalist. From his roots in a small Russian village in Alaska to becoming one of the world’s top sit-skiers, Andrew shares how grit and tenacity shaped his career and life.

Andrew opens up about the ATV accident that paralyzed him at 13, how wrestling prepared him for elite skiing, and why mental toughness and discipline set the best athletes apart.

Beyond skiing, Andrew is a pilot, boat captain, and the owner of Golden Standard Bed & Breakfast in Alaska, where he leads adventure camps for people with disabilities. He discusses his plans to become the first disabled flight instructor in the U.S., why he believes hard work beats talent, and how he’s paving the way for future adaptive athletes and adventurers.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The mindset shift that turned Andrew into an elite Paralympic skier✅ How failure fuels growth and why the best competitors always focus on beating their past selves✅ The importance of training off the snow for peak performance and injury resilience✅ How Andrew built his bed and breakfast from scratch, funding it through his Paralympic winnings✅ Why he’s dedicated to helping others with disabilities experience outdoor adventure✅ His future plans to become a flight instructor and expand opportunities for disabled pilots

📍 Links & Resources:🔗 Follow Andrew Kurka:

Instagram: @AndrewKurka
Golden Standard Bed & Breakfast: @GoldenStandardBnB
Stay at Golden Standard B&B

🏔️ Stay connected with Legaski:

Try the Legaski Club FREE 14-day trial https://legacyrehabandperformance.com/legaskiclub-signup

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(128)

128. From Blowing Out His Back To Volcano Skiing In Japan

On this episode I sit down with my client Ryan Carlson, a backcountry skier and lawyer based in San Diego who came to me last August after his second L5-S1 disc surgery in 10 years. He had one big goa...

24 Mai 26min

127. Turning 60 And Heli Skiing After ACL Surgery (feat. Lance Thibeaux)

On this episode I sit down with Lance, one of my former clients, to talk about how he prepared for a major Alaska heli skiing trip after ACL surgery, meniscus repair, and years of ski related injuries...

17 Mai 12min

126. Smart Skiers Do These 3 Tests Before They End Their Ski Season

On this episode I break down the three end of season tests every skier should use to capture their current ski fitness before the off season starts. Your legs are likely in their best ski shape right ...

11 Mai 13min

125. The Knee Brace That Could Help You Ski Longer Without Surgery

On this episode I sit down with Dave Johnson from Icarus Medical to talk about a new kind of knee brace designed to unload the knee, reduce pain, and help active people stay in the sports they love lo...

5 Apr 33min

124. How Ski Tuning Can Move Your Skiing From Beginner to Expert

On this episode I sit down with Christian from Sidecut Tuning to break down why ski tuning is one of the most overlooked upgrades for better skiing, more confidence, and fewer injuries. We talk about ...

2 Mar 35min

123. Do You Need ACL Surgery To Ski? (feat. Brian of Level Up Sports Academy)

On this episode I sit down with Brian an Austrian Level 3 ski instructor and former ski racer who shares his experience navigating a complex knee injury including a full MCL tear with partial ACL and ...

2 Feb 24min

122. How To Train For Skiing In Season and Before A Ski Trip

On this episode I break down how to structure your dry land training during the ski season so you can stay strong reduce fatigue and lower your risk of injury even when you are skiing multiple days in...

2 Feb 11min

121. Break Through Your Skiing Plateau With Tips From Riley Shepard

On this episode…I sit down with examiner and Level 3 instructor-trainer Riley Shepard @SkiWithRiley to break down the most common plateaus skiers hit—and the drills and decision-making that move you f...

15 Des 202536min