Landon Wyatt just returned from a 10-day trip to Gangwon, South Korea, where he represented Team USA at the Youth Olympic Games. Landon was one of three male athletes, along with three female athletes, representing team USA in cross country skiing.
“This is a huge accomplishment in its own right and a tremendous experience,” says BSF Nordic Program Director Andrew Morehouse, who also attended the games as part of the U.S. coaching staff. “Landon had two great races, with his highlight being an 18th place finish in the 7.5k Classic race.” He also finished 25th overall in the freestyle sprint.
“Racing there was super fun, but it was a very stacked field,” says Wyatt. “It wasn’t too different from racing I’ve done in the past, but still a new experience from my races in the U.S. and last year in Finland. Everything was super professional and the courses were really well made.”
Outside of the races, Landon had the opportunity to stay in the Youth Olympic Village with top athletes from other nations, explore the coastal town of Gangwon, and ski the 2018 Olympic courses, including the sprint course where Jessie Diggins and Kikkan Randall won the first ever cross country gold medal for USA.
“I really enjoyed this trip,” said Wyatt. “ It was amazing to see and meet so many different people. I had a great time with the other Americans on the team, and the coaching staff as well. Staying in the village was really cool, too. It allowed us to get to meet a ton of new people and hang out with them. Overall it was a once in a lifetime experience that I’m gonna remember for the rest of my life.”