I’m going to go out on a limb that I think MANY on here would like to be on, but are hesitant to to do. Hesitant to speak out “against” any other group of skiers.
I have been around the sport for over 60 years. Both of my parents were accomplished ski racers, as was my older brother. I know a lot of former racers, USST on down and NONE bring Marcus’ smile and personal expression to the table when it comes to their later free skiing careers.
At the same time I REALLY struggle with the group of “technical skiers”, some on here, some very visible on other forums. Some prolific on YouTube, etc. I can here every one of them being critical of Marcus’ skiing....wanting to “do MA” on it. Looking at where his every movement is wrong. Blah. Blah. Blah.
I know some real high level coaches and athletes who ski with Marcus. Marcus does not try to influence a thing. He strives to ski as he wants and enjoy it. The “vibe” at his summer camp, Party Beach Camps, is very much about fun and personal expression.
This past summer a young friend was coaching two WC athletes. One on one with each. In both cases, he had a couple of the biggest “names” in technical skiing sticking their noses into things. Both had skied a bit with these athletes when they were very young, like under 10.
The coach had to deprogram both athletes. They were skiing like perfect little robots after three days....and slow as hell. A week plus later, they were back to where they were before the techies. Having wasted two weeks on snow!
We discussed how that group, and the Dalai Lama of them all think they have all the answers. ALL OF THEM, when it comes to skiing the BEST.
I say, B.S. If I were back parenting younget ski racers, with a goal of being great life long skiers, anywhere on anything, THERE IS NOBODY who I would want them to be emulating as skier more than Marcus.
He’s also a very good guy. A very good person. From a really solid family.
Love to see his growing commercial success as people really admire and enjoy his skiing.
And for those who hate the 187cm Bonafide, we can have another conversation, HaHa. He would like a few pairs of 193cm pressed, I hear!
Marcus can anything. But he is also a very sound risk manager. Awesome.