At 44, Baumgartner has proven that age is just a number in extreme sports, particularly snowboarding cross at the Olympic Games. The Michigan native and four-time Olympian's remarkable talent has allowed him to stay competitive for over two decades, defying expectations of athletes his age.
For many, his age is all anyone wants to talk about when it comes to Baumgartner. However, he takes this criticism in stride, using it as motivation to push himself harder. In fact, the pressure to prove others wrong has fueled his determination and helped him stay focused on his goals.
Baumgartner's impressive career began early, with a snowboard that became a gift from Josh, his brother, when he was 10 years old. Baumgartner credits his youth team for teaching him valuable life lessons and setting him up for success in sports. By age 21, Baumgartner left the football team at Northern Michigan University to focus on professional snowboarding, while also becoming a father.
In addition to his training regimen, which focuses on building strength, speed, and explosiveness, Baumgartner has developed an efficient way to prepare using a mini-snowboard course in front of his house. He attributes his success to hard work, patience, and dedication. Baumgartner's mantra is that "mass tends to win" in sports like snowboarding cross, so he must continually find ways to overcome his opponents' speed.
As the oldest member of the U.S. Olympic team at 44, Baumgartner is looking forward to competing in Milan Cortina, Italy, and leaving a lasting legacy on the sport. With years of experience under his belt, he's no longer training like a football player but has adapted his routine to better suit snowboarding requirements.
Baumgartner believes that with continued hard work and patience, athletes can achieve success at an older age than previously thought possible. His story serves as inspiration to others, particularly those who may feel discouraged by their own limitations. As Baumgartner's brother Josh puts it, "The old guy you shouldn't count out" - a phrase that encapsulates the American snowboarder's never-say-die attitude and enduring spirit.
For many, his age is all anyone wants to talk about when it comes to Baumgartner. However, he takes this criticism in stride, using it as motivation to push himself harder. In fact, the pressure to prove others wrong has fueled his determination and helped him stay focused on his goals.
Baumgartner's impressive career began early, with a snowboard that became a gift from Josh, his brother, when he was 10 years old. Baumgartner credits his youth team for teaching him valuable life lessons and setting him up for success in sports. By age 21, Baumgartner left the football team at Northern Michigan University to focus on professional snowboarding, while also becoming a father.
In addition to his training regimen, which focuses on building strength, speed, and explosiveness, Baumgartner has developed an efficient way to prepare using a mini-snowboard course in front of his house. He attributes his success to hard work, patience, and dedication. Baumgartner's mantra is that "mass tends to win" in sports like snowboarding cross, so he must continually find ways to overcome his opponents' speed.
As the oldest member of the U.S. Olympic team at 44, Baumgartner is looking forward to competing in Milan Cortina, Italy, and leaving a lasting legacy on the sport. With years of experience under his belt, he's no longer training like a football player but has adapted his routine to better suit snowboarding requirements.
Baumgartner believes that with continued hard work and patience, athletes can achieve success at an older age than previously thought possible. His story serves as inspiration to others, particularly those who may feel discouraged by their own limitations. As Baumgartner's brother Josh puts it, "The old guy you shouldn't count out" - a phrase that encapsulates the American snowboarder's never-say-die attitude and enduring spirit.