Snowboarder Kelly Clark Looks to Break More Records at This Year's Olympics
Kelly Clark is no stranger to the world stage. The three-time Olympic medalist is competing in her fifth Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. Kelly is a veteran for Team USA women's snowboarding, having first competed in 2002. She's now on a mission to inspire and ready to take home another gold medal. Here are seven things you need to know about Kelly Clark.
She Is the Winningest Snowboarder EVER
Kelly has more than 70 career wins, which makes her the most dominant competitive snowboarder ever, male or female! After competing for nearly 16 years on the US team, she has compiled seven X Games gold medals and 14 overall, five World Snowboard Tour titles, six Grand Prix titles, and eight US Open titles.
She Was in High School When She First Qualified For the Olympics
Kelly was just 16 years old when she got on Team USA. She says she started snowboarding before it was "cool" and before it was an Olympic sport. She told NBC Olympics that choosing between college and snowboarding was difficult for her parents, but that she proved it was worth it after winning a gold medal in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games at age 17.
She Really, Really Loves Her Dog
Kelly has a Golden Retriever named Iris, whom she adores. Kelly got her when she was recovering from her hip surgery in 2016, so she could take time off to help her grow up. Iris loves to hike, camp, swim, and go boating, just like her mom. And you can follow the cute pup on her own Instagram.
She Wrote a Book
Kelly achieved a major milestone after releasing her first book, Inspired. Kelly says it took years to write and is based on her personal story. She hopes through sharing her own story she will motivate other people. "I aim to redefine what success looks like, help you navigate fear, deal with disappointment, live authentic, be consistent, and impact the world around you," Kelly says.
She Is Actually INSPIRING Others
Kelly Clark is a shoo-in for team captain, being that she is the snowboarder that all the others coming up in the sport look up to. Team USA teammate Chloe Kim told NBC Olympics that Clark is her role model, "because I grew up watching her and really admired her."
She Gives Back
Kelly created the Kelly Clark Foundation in 2010 to help kids try snowboarding who couldn't afford to on their own. Kelly says, "We have helped high-level athletes pursue their snowboarding dreams. Since starting, they've given out over $100,000 in scholarships.
She Builds Things
When she's not training or enjoying the outdoors, Kelly says she enjoys building things, especially furniture. "My life is nontraditional, so the basic things around the yard and making things out of wood, I enjoy the simplicity of it all."
To learn more, visit Team USA. The Winter Olympics will air live starting on Feb. 8.