Ian Torchia began skiing the day before he turned 2, but was on his Mom's back long before then, sliding around Rochester's golf courses during the winter months. He grew up a runner, chasing his older brother Mike around on the roads and trails and cross country skied in the winters as a member of the Rochester Nordic Ski Team.
During his junior year in high school, Ian won the American Birkebeiner Korteloppet race and it was later that year, at his 1st Junior National championship in Fairbanks, Alaska, when Ian decided to cross-country ski at the collegiate level, breaking away from his 4 siblings' tradition of running in college. He attended Northern Michigan University under the direction of legendary ski coach Sten Fjeldheim, and accumulated 6 All-Americans, tied for most in program history. His junior season, he became an NCAA champion in the 20k freestyle in Steamboat, Colorado. He was a member of the US Development Ski Team for 3 years training alongside the nation's best skiers.
Ian earned a Master's degree in Exercise Science and is currently pursuing skiing at the professional level with the Stratton Mountain School T2 Elite Team, a professional ski team that boasts of 3 Olympians, including Gold Medalist Jessie Diggins.
Ian recently got engaged to Kameron Burmeister, who he coached to a 2:42 marathon at Grandma's, an Olympic Trials qualifier!
UPDATE: If you weren't able to attend the RASC 5K Fundraiser event & auction for Ian, it is still to contribute to the fund (link provided below).
- - - - - -
On Saturday, November 23, Rochester Nordic Ski Team (RNST) is hosting a fundraiser for Ian Torchia, who has high, realistic hopes of making the 2022 Olympic Nordic Ski Team. Ian began as a 3rd grader by coming to practices with his older siblings. He excelled at Northern Michigan and continues his quest for the USA Olympic team.
To qualify for the 2022 Olympics, Ian will need to compete in many world cup meets in North America and Europe. RNST is hosting a fundraiser for Ian. It will be held at Quarry Hill on Saturday, Nov 23, that includes a 5K fun run (4pm), dinner (5pm) and silent auction.
During the dinner, we will hear from Ian, plus humorous tidbits about Ian from a couple of his RNST coaches.
