The mother of a 15-year-old athlete on the US Ski Team's national development programme has described the significant family sacrifices made to support his Olympic aerial skiing ambitions. Sarah Canzano, mother of Gavin Canzano, told Business Insider that while the journey requires major adjustments, her son's passion makes it worthwhile.
Gavin Canzano began skiing at age two or three, taught by his father, a former teenage downhill skier. He joined the Bristol Mountain Freestyle team around age eight, a feeder programme for the US Ski Team, where his aptitude for aerial manoeuvres became quickly apparent.
Path to the National Team
In 2024, at age 14, Gavin was invited to the US Ski Team's Project Gold aerial camp in Lake Placid, New York, an experience that solidified his commitment to the sport. He now trains with national teammates at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid and travels for competitions, balancing this with his schoolwork.
"We have also had conversations with Gavin about the sacrifices that he would have to make on this path," Sarah Canzano said. "That means school is going to be harder, because he's going to miss a lot of school. He won't be able to see his school friends that much."
Family Dynamics and Support
The Canzano family, which includes Gavin's younger brother Deacon, has altered its lifestyle significantly. Sarah Canzano, a travel agent, noted that family holidays now involve "standing on a mountain" rather than tropical destinations. Parents Sarah and Pat often divide travel duties to ensure Deacon maintains his routine at home.
"Deacon is the real hero here; he is such a supportive little brother," she said. "He goes along for the ride with minimal complaints and is Gavin's biggest fan."
Focus on Fun and Future Goals
Despite the serious commitment, the family emphasises enjoyment. Sarah revealed she wrote "have fun" on his skis as a reminder during challenging training days. However, the long-term goal is clear: a place on the US Ski Team for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Financial planning is becoming a consideration. "We might consider looking for financial sponsors soon, as we try to get him to where he needs to be," Canzano stated, acknowledging the decade-long journey ahead.
The family's support is conditional on Gavin's own dedication. "We've always told him, 'We will work hard for you as long as you are working hard for yourself,'" she said, adding they would never force him to continue if his passion faded.