Laurie Stephens facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Laurie Stephens

Stephens at the 2013 World Championships
Personal information
Born	(1984-03-05) March 5, 1984 (age 41) Wenham, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height	5 ft 0 in
Weight	119 lb
Sport
Country	United States
Sport	Para-alpine skiing
Disability class	LW12-1
Event(s)	Downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super combined, super-G
Medal record Women's para-alpine skiing Representing  United States Winter Paralympics Gold 2006 Turin Downhill, sitting Gold 2006 Turin Super-G, sitting Silver 2006 Turin Giant slalom, sitting Silver 2010 Vancouver Downhill, sitting Bronze 2014 Sochi Downhill, sitting Bronze 2014 Sochi Super-G, sitting Bronze 2018 Pyeongchang Downhill, sitting World Championships Gold 2013 La Molina Downhill, sitting Gold 2021 Lillehammer Giant slalom, sitting Silver 2011 Sestriere Downhill, sitting Silver 2011 Sestriere Super-G, sitting Silver 2023 Lleida Super-G, sitting Silver 2023 Lleida Alpine combined, sitting Silver 2023 Lleida Giant slalom, sitting Bronze 2011 Sestriere Super combined, sitting Bronze 2013 La Molina Super-G, sitting Bronze 2015 Panorama Super combined, sitting Bronze 2019 Sella Nevea Super-G, sitting Bronze 2021 Lillehammer Slalom, sitting

Laurie Stephens, born on March 5, 1984, is an amazing American athlete. She is a para-alpine skier who uses a special ski called a monoski. Laurie has spina bifida, a condition that affects her spine. She has won many medals for the United States at the Paralympics, which are like the Olympic Games for athletes with disabilities. She has also done very well in the IPC Alpine Skiing World Cup races.

Skiing Career Highlights

Laurie Stephens started skiing when she was 12 years old. She began racing just three years later, at age 15. She joined the New England Disabled Ski Team, which helped her become a top competitor.

Paralympic Success

Laurie has competed in four Paralympic Games. Her first time was in 2006, and she also raced in 2010, 2014, and 2018. She has won a total of seven Paralympic medals. These include two gold medals, two silver medals, and three bronze medals.

In 2006, Laurie had an amazing performance. She won two gold medals in the Super-G and Downhill sitting events. Because of her success, the United States Olympic Committee named her the Paralympic Sportswoman of the Year in 2006. She was also nominated for an award called the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award.

At the 2018 PyeongChang Games, Laurie won a bronze medal for the US in the downhill event. She also placed well in other races, showing her skill in different skiing styles.

World Championship Achievements

Besides the Paralympics, Laurie has also competed in five World Championships. She has earned seven medals at these events. She won one gold medal, three silver medals, and three bronze medals.

In 2021, Laurie won a gold medal in the women's giant slalom sitting event at the World Para Snow Sports Championships. This shows her continued dedication and talent in the sport.

Beyond the Slopes

When Laurie is not skiing, she focuses on her education. She studied therapeutic recreation at the University of New Hampshire. This field helps people use activities to improve their health and well-being.