SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (BVM) — Winning between two flags, Julia Richter came to the U.S. almost four years ago all the way from Sayda, Germany, and she hasn’t stopped winning ever since.

For people who have no idea what Nordic skiing is, it is skiing on “skinny skis” as Richter defined them. The ski used in this sport has the boot attached to the ski only at the tip, allowing the heel to move freely up and down. There are two techniques, classic and skate, and distances vary from 1km to 30km. 

Now that you have become familiar with this sport, let’s dive into Richter’s career and goals.

After high school, she went pro for a year where she skied for the German National Team. But that wasn’t enough for her. After considering universities in Vermont and Colorado, she ended up in Salt Lake City.

“I fell in love with the mountains and all the people were so welcoming and including,” Richter said.

Richter just got back from the Montana State Invitational where the Utes dominantly succeeded. Her specialty is classic skiing and her favorite distance is 5k.

“All the finish line hugs,” Richter said of her favorite memories in Stowe Vermont where she won her NCAA title. “I was just so excited that I made the NCAA team.” 

“I wasn’t expecting anything and I ended up winning the 5k skate and in the end, the University of Utah Ski team won the National Championship which was amazing winning with such a great team and basically all my good friends.” 

Exactly this, one of Richter’s secrets to being successful at a high level is to be a part of the Utah Ski Team. 

“All my years I have been surrounded by supportive and great people which helps to become strong as a team.” 

Richter added that she realized how being part of college skiing showed her a different perspective and how this sport is more than just your own results.

“I was overtrained and there was too much pressure from the coaches,” Richter said of her situation before coming to Utah. “Many of my friends quit skiing before they even graduated from high school.”

As we may think student-athletes experience a big amount of mental and physical stress and pressure in college, on the contrary, the two-time All-American said the only pressure she had was the one she put on herself. When that happens, she always reminds herself why she loves the sport and that all she can do “is to race fast and give it all.” 

Richter’s main goal for this (last) season is to have fun because as she said, “I’ve met so many people from all over the world and all just enjoying ski racing.” 

The 2019 and 2021 RMISA (Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association) Female Nordic Athlete of the Year said that time management is key to being fully committed in school and in sport.

Richter studies International and Environmental Studies with a minor in Geography and Economics and she hopes to get a Master’s Degree in Norway after. Her busy schedule provides a 7:30 a.m. training in the nearest mountain for two hours then back to the U for class, lunch, homework before the second training session of the day at 3:30 p.m. 

The hectic schedule varies every day. 

“Some days are more stressful, some are less, that is why time management is so important,” the three-time All-RMISA honoree said.

With a season that goes from December to March, Richter has no regrets about this overseas experience, and she called herself lucky for never having had injuries. 

With her five career wins and her 12 career podium finishes, the piece of advice Richter gives is to join a club team or college team if they have the chance. 

“If you love your sport and training, that’s all you need,” Richter said. “There are people with the same passion and you are gonna make friends for life.”

Her gratitude for the sport is proportionally linked to her great success. Skiing gave her so much and she shaped her life. 

“It made me the person I am today.” 

She still praises Nordic skiing as it has a lot of variety she enjoys. Most of the training happens in the summer and she loves that because they can do everything from running and biking to roller skiing and strength.

Richter describes herself as an ambitious woman, who always gives her best and loves to have fun and enjoy things. 

“Being part of a great team, having fun, and the support we get here is unique, and I want to give back,” she said.

But not always do things go as planned and, when a bad race happens, Richter is mature enough to allow herself to be angry for a moment. 

“I am just a human being, but after that, I get over it and move on.”

This denotes a positive mindset and attitude that lead her to be the champion she is. It is all about teamwork when it comes to race even if skiing is an individual sport. 

“You are not fighting just for yourself anymore, instead, you try to get as many points as possible for the team.” 

The University of Utah Ski Team holds 14 National titles with the most recent one earned in the 2021 NCAA Championship.

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