Lila has dual Slovenian and American citizenship but competes for the US team, and she had her first experience of skiing in Sierra Nevada. Her father not only taught her to ski, but also taught her Slovene. Thanks to him her Slovene is excellent. Vojko skied together with Jure Košir and Mitja Kunc in a golden era of Slovenian skiing. In 1991, he went to study in the USA, where he met Lila’s mother, Margaret Beiser, journalist and writer.

We spoke briefly with Lila during the European leg of the Alpine Skiing World Cup.

How was it growing up to a Slovenian father and an American mother in the USA? Did you keep regular contacts with Slovenia?
We were mostly an American family growing up, especially since I went to school in the USA. I remember before Skype was invented I would call my grandparents in Slovenia to say hello on the telephone. As soon as we got Skype, I would talk to my family in Slovenia almost every week and then visit during my summer vacation.

Your father was also your first coach. How does he influence your skiing performances now?
Yes, he was my coach when I was younger and he is still involved in my skiing career. We talk often about my training, racing and equipment. He gives me a great perspective outside of my team training. When I'm home we ski and train together and during the off-season I make him do fitness training with me. To see if he can keep up.

We perceive skiing as a national sport here in Slovenia; it’s a huge part of our national identity. Are you aware that you are actually a typical Slovenian?
I love my Slovenian identity. I feel lucky to be a ski racer who has a Slovenian/European connection. I feel at home in Europe where ski racing is a recognised sport. I am excited that I’m able to connect with my Slovenian fans by speaking the language as well.

What is your motivation?
My motivation is simple: master my skiing and racing experience, succeed at the top level in Alpine skiing and inspire people on my journey. I also envisage Olympic success on my odyssey.

Do you perhaps see yourself also a part of the Slovenian national skiing team one day?
I am proud to be a member of the US ski team and represent my country in sports. However, I will always be a part of the Slovenian ski team in spirit. Slovenia can claim me too since I have Slovenian citizenship.

Polona Prešeren, Sinfo