Hannah Kearney: A Legacy of Excellence in Moguls Skiing

Hannah Kearney, a moguls skiing legend, became one of the most accomplished athletes in the history of freestyle skiing. Known for her incredible perseverance, technical skill, and dedication, Kearney achieved unparalleled success on the World Cup circuit, clinching 46 World Cup wins, a total that matched the women’s record set by Hall of Famer Donna Weinbrecht. Her career included two Olympic medals including 2010 gold, eight World Championship medals, and multiple World Cup titles, marking her as a dominant force in the sport for over a decade.

Kearney’s journey into skiing began early, growing up in Norwich, Vermont, a town rich in Olympic history. Her parents introduced her to skiing when she was just two years old, and it soon became clear that she had a special affinity for the sport. By high school, Kearney had already made her mark in junior moguls skiing, competing internationally while excelling in soccer and track at Norwich High School. Her dedication to skiing became evident as she traveled full-time on the World Cup tour while still balancing her high school responsibilities.

At just 15 years old, Kearney was invited to forerun moguls in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, an experience that ignited her dream of Olympic glory. Four years later, in Torino, Kearney competed in her first official Olympics. She struggled, finishing 22nd in the qualification round – a setback that fueled her determination.

In 2010, she made her Olympic comeback in Vancouver. Kearney delivered a jaw-dropping performance, defeating the home-snow Canadians and securing the gold medal on opening day, ahead of teammate Shannon Bahrke, who won bronze. The victory cemented her place in skiing history, as she became the second American woman to win gold in moguls at the Winter Olympics.

Kearney’s success was far from limited to the Olympics. From 2004 to 2015, she dominated the World Cup circuit, a period that saw her win 46 World Cup moguls events and take home six moguls titles. In 2004, she claimed her first victory in Naeba, Japan, at the age of 17, kicking off what would become a record-breaking career. Kearney’s resilience shone through in 2007 and 2008 when a knee injury sidelined her for most of the seasons. However, she made a strong comeback in 2009, claiming her first World Cup season title in moguls, and went on to win five more, including a record-setting 11 victories in 2012.

In 2014, Kearney returned to the Olympics in Sochi, where she battled her way to a bronze medal in a fiercely competitive field. Her performance in Sochi marked the end of her Olympic career, but she wasn’t done yet. Kearney returned to the World Cup circuit for a final season in 2015, determined to match one of her idols, Donna Weinbrecht. In the final World Cup event of her career, Kearney achieved her record-matching 46th victory, solidifying her place in moguls skiing history.

Throughout her career, Kearney was not only admired for her athleticism but also for her unwavering work ethic. She was known for her commitment to strength training, always going above and beyond to ensure she had the physical endurance required to succeed in the punishing demands of mogul skiing. Leading up to the Vancouver Olympics, her strength coach provided her with a list of metrics detailing her preparation. Kearney carried that piece of paper in a pocket during her gold medal run, a reminder of the effort she put in to achieve her ultimate goal.

After retiring from international competition in 2015, Kearney transitioned into a new phase of her life. She and her husband, Mike Morse, settled in Park City, Utah, to raise a family. Kearney has also turned her attention to fitness, becoming a certified personal trainer and founding Fitness from Afar – a platform offering strength and conditioning programs, fitness challenges, and instructional videos. Her passion for helping others maintain physical fitness extended to her work as an athlete gift manager for U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

Kearney’s career is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence, from her breakthrough gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics to her remarkable 46 World Cup victories. Her impact on moguls skiing, both on and off the slopes, remains profound. Through her groundbreaking achievements and unwavering dedication to the sport, Kearney has not only cemented her place among the all-time greats in freestyle skiing but has also paved the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.