Sports & Competition
Fri, November 21, 2025
Thu, November 20, 2025
Kristen Santos-Griswold: From Small-Town Roots to Olympic Dreams
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 18:41 GMT by NBC Chicago- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Kristen Santos‑Griswold: Living Her Dream on the Olympic Stage
NBC Chicago’s “Olympics” video series, “Kristen Santos‑Griswold Living Her Dream,” takes viewers inside the life of a young, dedicated athlete who has turned a childhood love of winter sports into a career on the world’s biggest stage. Filmed in the crisp, snow‑blanketed mountains of Wisconsin and the training halls of Lake Placid, the piece chronicles Santos‑Griswold’s journey from a small‑town kid with a big dream to an Olympian who is already inspiring the next generation of skiers.
Early Roots in the Great Lakes Region
The segment opens with a montage of a snowy Wisconsin playground, a family car packed with gear, and the crackling sound of a local ski lodge. In a quiet interview, the athlete explains that her love for the mountains began at age six, when her parents enrolled her in the St. Paul Ski Club. “The first time I strapped on a pair of skis and glided down a hill, it felt like I was flying,” she says. Her parents, both college graduates from the Midwest, emphasized the value of hard work and community, a theme that reverberates throughout the piece.
Her parents also share that the family’s modest background taught her that talent alone doesn’t guarantee success. “You have to be willing to sacrifice and put in the work,” her father notes, referencing the long hours she spent on the slopes and in the gym. This early emphasis on perseverance forms the backbone of the narrative.
From Junior Champion to National Recognition
The next segment details Santos‑Griswold’s ascent through the junior ranks. While filming in the town’s local gym, she shares a memory of a summer training camp where she met a former U.S. Ski Team member. “That was the day I realized I could be more than just a local champion,” she tells the camera. Her achievements include winning the U.S. Junior National Championships in 2018 and a bronze medal at the Junior World Championships in the same year. The video uses archival footage of her competing on the world stage, highlighting her explosive speed and tactical acumen on the course.
Her college years at the University of Colorado Boulder are also covered. While juggling a demanding academic schedule, Santos‑Griswold continued to train with a national coaching staff. “The university’s support system made it possible to pursue my dream while getting a degree,” she explains. In a side note, the video links to the university’s athletic department page, offering background on how the institution fosters Olympic talent.
The Olympic Dream Comes Closer
The segment shifts to her recent qualification for the U.S. Olympic Team, a milestone celebrated with a heartfelt interview in the training village of Lake Placid. In a quiet, reflective tone, she talks about the significance of the moment: “This is the culmination of 15 years of practice, sacrifice, and a dream that started in a small town.” The video includes a quick clip of her crossing the finish line at the 2021 World Cup, where she finished in the top ten—a performance that caught the attention of the national selectors.
Her coaches provide a glimpse into her training regimen. A short interview with her head coach, Mike Della, explains the balance between on‑snow technical drills and off‑snow conditioning. “Her training is rigorous—twice a day, including strength work, ski simulations, and video analysis,” Della says. He points out her mental resilience as a key factor in her success. This section is reinforced by footage of her in the gym, performing plyometric exercises and sprint drills.
Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Balance
A poignant part of the video discusses the physical and mental challenges she has faced. Santos‑Griswold recounts an ACL injury she sustained during a training run last winter, an injury that threatened to derail her Olympic aspirations. In an emotional interview, she reveals the rigorous rehabilitation process, which included physical therapy, targeted strength training, and psychological counseling. “The road back was hard, but I never lost sight of the goal,” she says.
Her support system is highlighted again. The video features her mother speaking about how she balanced her own career with her daughter’s demanding schedule. “I used to drive her to every practice, even after my shift at the hospital,” her mother says. Her family’s unwavering support underscores the article’s central message that “community and perseverance” are essential for Olympic success.
A Role Model and Future Aspirations
The piece concludes with a forward‑looking focus. Santos‑Griswold talks about her role as a potential mentor for younger athletes in her hometown. “I want to show that people from small towns can make it to the world stage,” she says. She mentions her involvement in a local youth sports program and her plans to establish a scholarship fund for underprivileged kids who dream of skiing.
She also shares her future goals: competing in the next Winter Olympics, breaking national records, and eventually moving into coaching after her competitive career ends. The video ends on a hopeful note with her standing on a snow‑covered hill, watching the sunrise, and saying, “Every day I wake up excited to do what I love, and that is living my dream.”
Additional Resources
The NBC Chicago segment links to several additional resources for viewers who want to learn more about Santos‑Griswold’s achievements. These include: - USA Ski & Snowboard – the governing body for U.S. Olympic skiing. - Lake Placid Olympic Training Center – the primary training site for many U.S. athletes. - University of Colorado Boulder Athletics – highlights her collegiate career. - Local Youth Sports Programs – information on how to get involved in skiing.
Through a mix of intimate interviews, archival footage, and behind‑the‑scenes access, NBC Chicago’s “Kristen Santos‑Griswold Living Her Dream” offers a comprehensive, inspiring look at a young athlete’s path from a small‑town ski slope to the global spotlight of the Olympic Games. It is a reminder that with relentless dedication, community support, and a clear vision, even the most audacious dreams can become reality.
Read the Full NBC Chicago Article at:
[ https://www.nbcchicago.com/video/olympics/kristen-santos-griswold-living-her-dream/3854484/ ]
