Parkite Skimo skier Griffin Briley found success at his home Skimo World Cup over the weekend, held at Solitude Mountain Resort.
Briley and his mixed relay teammate Hali Hafeman won the Salt Lake City World Cup B division race on Saturday, crossing the finish line in 34:21.6.
Briley and Hafeman edged out B-division skiers from around the world. Team USA’s A-division skiers Cameron Smith and Anna Gibson won that race in 32:17.6, securing the U.S.’ first Olympic bids in the sport. Briley made the quarterfinals of the sprint race on Sunday, finishing in 21st. Jon Kistler of Switzerland won the men’s sprint race on Sunday, and France’s Margot Ravinel the women’s race.
Briley said the event had strong support from fans from all over the world. He was pleased Utahns got to see what the emerging sport of Skimo is all about in-person.
“I feel good coming off the World Cup at home,” Briley said. “It was fulfilling to see the local community supporting the athletes.”
The 20 year old will now take some time to train on his own before the second World Cup of the season in Courchevel, France, on Jan. 15 and 16. He’s still hoping to race in Milan, with his fate in the hands of Team USA, who will allot its one men’s and women’s spot for the Games.
“To see the U.S. team succeed this weekend and get the Olympic bids was inspiring,” he added. “I know that each and every athlete on the team had worked extremely hard to this point.”
Briley won’t let making or not making the Olympic team define his skiing. He said that there are many unique races in the sport and that he’s enjoying the journey that each one takes him on. Briley knows Team USA will succeed in Milan, with or without him.
“The goal of going to the Olympics one day is still alive,” Briley said. “I never saw it as the pinnacle of the sport. Training for the 2026 Games was a great way to challenge myself this past year, and I grew as a person and athlete.”
The Parkite is confident future World Cups will return to Utah given the widespread support for this year’s event. He feels that he and the field brought a high level of competition to Solitude for fans.
“The crowds were great,” Briley said. “(I) hope that more disciplines will be added if we have a home World Cup because the mountains here are captivating.”
The Courchevel World Cup is one of three before the Olympics, though those three won’t count directly toward U.S. qualification. For the remaining schedule, see the ISMF’s (international governing body) website: ismf-ski.com.