"Success isn’t measured by victories"

Taylor Fletcher is one of the most experienced athletes in Nordic Combined.
The 31 year-old joined this weeks Tuesday Talk to chat about his upcoming fourth Olympics and a future outside of Nordic Combined. As a bronze medalist at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Val di Fiemme 2013, the Colorado-born celebrated great victories, but reveals what success really is about for him.

With your many years of World Cup experience, you are a role model, especially for young athletes. Is there anyone you still look up to yourself?

Taylor Fletcher: Yes, I look up to all the top athletes. Even as one of the older athletes there is something I can always improve and learn. The sport has changed so much from my first years, I need to be able to adapt and change how I perform.

If you hadn't become a Nordic Combined athlete, what profession would you have chosen?

Fletcher: Professional cyclist. I was quite serious for a while about trying my hand in cycling. I had the power and ability, but my passion for Nordic combined was too strong.

Your former teammate Billy Demong works for USA Nordic now. After your active career, could you also imagine a role as a coach or functionary?

Fletcher: Yes, I see myself in some fashion, but for me, it will be important to step away from the sport for a bit. If I decide to come back to coaching then I will look at it and see how I could help! I have a job outside of skiing already and it will be a nice way to continue when I finish my career.

Last season was special in every way. The pandemic caused many cancellations and made traveling difficult. It was especially difficult for USA Nordic athletes, who see their families little anyway, wasn't it?

Fletcher: The only difference really was staying over for the entire winter. My head coach and I were in Europe from November 12th until March 22nd. That was unique and a great learning experience. The amount of Covid tests was a bit of a shock, but we train on a daily basis and take things one day at a time. We were prepared to have competitions cancelled and plans changed.

Last season also had positive things to offer: The women celebrated their World Cup debut. How was it for you to start with them at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Oberstdorf?

Fletcher: It was awesome. The ladies are progressing very well and I can’t wait to see where they stand in a few years. They are still so young, but the growth is promising to see and I hope we can continue to develop girls here in the USA so they can fight for Olympic Medals one day!

Even if the women are unfortunately not yet allowed to take part, an Olympic season is coming. The Games in Beijing will be your fourth. Is the participation still something special for you or have you already got used to the "Olympic spirit"?

Fletcher: The Olympics are special in every aspect, but I can’t approach it differently than any other competition. I still need to have good jumps, and strong race. Yes, I am excited about possible making my 4th Olympics and giving it everything I possibly can with my USA Nordic teammates.

If you could give the young Taylor Fletcher something to take along before his first World Cup winter 2009, what would it be?

Fletcher: I wouldn’t change anything. Success isn’t measured by how many victories I have had. While I have had some success on the World Cup, and a lot of in Continental Cup, it has provided a life for me that I am forever grateful for personally. If I had to look back and change something, it would be understanding that there is life outside of skiing and even the worst days are better than normal life!