Hidden Champions

Mark Arendz is an athlete whose dedication, consistency, and hunger for excellence have made him one of the most decorated para Nordic skiers in history. With 12 Paralympic medals, 26 World Championship medals, and five overall World Cup Crystal Globes, Mark’s career reflects not just longevity, but an unmatched level of mastery in both cross-country skiing and biathlon.

In this episode, we dive into what sets Mark Arendz apart: his relentless pursuit of perfection, his passion for classic technique, and the drive that keeps him at the top of his sport more than two decades after his World Cup debut....

Vilde Nilsen is one of the most dominant para-cross-country skiers in the world. With 12 world titles, three Paralympic medals, and five overall World Cup victories, Vilde’s journey is nothing short of incredible. In this episode she shares how a chance moment watching the Paralympic opening ceremony introduced her to para sport, resulting in her becoming one of the best in the world.

From growing up in a sports-loving Norwegian family and facing a rare illness,, to becoming a leader on the international stage, Vilde’s story captures resilience, and the drive to push boundaries. Tune in as Vilde discusses the...

Kate Delson is a 15-time World Cup medalist, World Championship medalist, and one of the rising stars of U.S. Para Snowboard. And that’s despite the fact that she only competed in her first international Paralympic race in 2024.

In this episode, host Dani Aravich chats with Kate about her journey from learning to snowboard as a kid with a disability in Mammoth Lakes, California, to qualifying for her first Paralympic Games. Kate shares what it's like to switch from park riding to racing at the international level, how she trains year-round, and the excitement of representing Team USA on the...

Oscar Burnham is one of the world’s top standing male skiers on the Para Alpine World Cup circuit - and his journey is as remarkable as his results. In this episode of Hidden Champions, host Dani Aravich sits down with Oscar Burnham, who was born in Italy, competes for Team France, and grew up carving turns in the French Alps. With six World Cup medals and a World Championships podium to his name, Oscar opens up about his life on the road, the thrill of racing at home, and the tight-knit friendships that shape the sport.

But Oscar Burnham’s story...