Zee Philosopher und American Ski Zuperstar

"At this ski race in Austria they somehow knew I had a degree in political science. They announced me, in this thick German accent, as 'zee philosopher, und American ski zuperstar, Carrrrl Svensssson!'"

Carl Swenson '92 is one of the USA's best cross-country ski racers. He is an Olympian, a World Championship Team member, and a constant contender for gold medals at the National Ski Championships. But that is just what he does in the winter.

In the summer Carl is one of America's best mountain bike racers. "I just got back from Colombia. It was great. I had a choice between the Pan Am games in Colombia, racing against all the South and Central American teams, Canada, and Mexico, or a race in Pennsylvania." Most cyclists went to Pennsylvania, but not Carl. "There is litde potential for kidnapping, robbery, or bike racing through the jungle in Pennsylvania. It was a no brainerColombia all the way."

Carl's first and true love is ski racing, but mountain biking helps pay the bills and it keeps him in the adrenalin of racing—all year round. "I mountain-bike race in the summer because there aren't ski races in the summer. I'm lucky to put money in the bank doing what I love, and I couldn't do that by just ski racing—there just isn't enough money in skiing." Still, it is competing that is so exciting to Carl.

"Racing is cut and dry: Who is fastest? Oh, it makes me anxious just saying that. Where else can I find the sensation, the anxiety, adrenaline, excitement of putting it all on the line? Last year I was on the road 270 days for races, and I'd race everyday if I could. It's just fan as hell."