Ester Ledecká: The Dual-Sport Athlete Redefining Olympic Boundaries
Livigno, Italy is currently the focal point for Ester Ledecká as she prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and Cortina. The Czech athlete is attempting a feat rarely seen in professional sports: excelling at the highest level in both snowboarding and skiing. Her coach, Justin Reiter, emphasizes that the goal isn’t record-breaking, but rather achieving “good turns” – a testament to Ledecká’s focus on the fundamentals.
A Historic Pursuit: Following in the Footsteps of Legends
Shaun White previously achieved three victories in the U-ramp snowboarding discipline, but not in three consecutive games. Ledecká aims to replicate this success in the U-ramp, and potentially grow the first athlete to win gold in two different winter sports at the same Olympic Games. She previously accomplished this in Pyeongchang in 2018.
Balancing Two Worlds: Lyžařský and Snowboardový
Ledecká’s unique challenge lies in mastering two distinct disciplines. She recently competed in a single snowboarding event in Simonhöhe, Austria, demonstrating her continued competitiveness on the snowboard circuit. Reiter notes that she “rode very well,” proving her ability to quickly regain form despite limited competition in the sport.
The Reiter Method: A Foundation for Success
Justin Reiter, who has coached Ledecká since 2017, believes in a fundamental approach to training. He emphasizes building a strong foundation, stating, “Building is always as strong as its foundations. When they are good, we can build a high building.” This philosophy appears to be working, as Ledecká has consistently achieved success despite a minimal competition schedule.
Navigating Challenges and Prioritizing Choice
A recent scheduling conflict at the Cortina ski training camp resulted in Ledecká being unable to participate in the initial downhill run. Reiter expressed disappointment, but ultimately supported Ledecká’s decision to prioritize snowboarding for the Olympics, acknowledging the pressures she faced from various stakeholders. He affirmed that the coaching team’s role is to support her choices and adapt the training program accordingly.
Foto: Vlastimil Vacek, Sport.cz
Snowboardový trenér Justin Reiter na archivním snímku.
FAQ
Q: What makes Ester Ledecká’s situation unique?
A: She is attempting to compete at an elite level in two very different winter sports – snowboarding and skiing – simultaneously.
Q: Who is Justin Reiter?
A: He is Ledecká’s coach, and has been working with her since 2017.
Q: What is Reiter’s coaching philosophy?
A: He focuses on building a strong foundation of fundamentals before attempting more complex maneuvers.
Q: Where is Ledecká currently training?
A: She is training in Livigno, Italy, in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
What are your thoughts on Ledecká’s chances at the upcoming Olympics? Share your predictions in the comments below!
