October 22, 2012 – Taylor Fletcher was recently named to the 2013 U.S. Nordic Combined A-Team. Like brother Bryan, Taylor keeps improving every year. After a strong 2011 season, Taylor stepped it up again in 2012 with six Continental Cup podiums in seven races, multiple points-scoring World Cups and a career best 14th on the 2013 World Championships course in Italy. Taylor was named the 2013 U.S. Nordic Combined A-Team not the B-team as initially received from USSA. The updated team notice is here. -ed.
Already known as one of the strongest cross country skiers on the Team, Taylor continued to improve his jumping in 2012. His pathway to the Team came after two seasons of solid finishes at the U.S. Championships, and a top 15 finish at World Juniors, joining brother Bryan on the Team and then earning a spot on the 2010 Olympic Team where he competed in both nordic combined and ski jumping.
Name: Taylor William Fletcher
Sport: Nordic combined
Hometown: Steamboat Springs, CO
Current Location: Park City, Utah
School: Westminster College
How/when did you decide you wanted to compete:?
Taylor Fletcher: When I was born, it was the sport to do in my hometown. I felt like I was pretty good at it, and things are getting there!
Biggest accomplishment in your career so far?
TF: Being a part of the Olympic team and World Championship team.
Goals for next season?
TF: Medals at world championships and World Cup podiums.
Favorite snow destination?
TF: Oslo, Norway is the birthplace of my sport! People really care for it there!
Favorite non-snow destination?
TF: Courchevel, France. Amazing biking and fun jump hills, and tasty cheese!
If you weren’t a professional athlete what would you be?
TF: Hard to say! Most likely a student!
Time you’ve been most scared in your life?
TF: Hard to say, I do get scared easy, but nothing stands out. I was the most nervous when I competed in the Vancouver Olympics!
What you do you when you are not training or competing?
TF: I am mostly sleeping to recover from training and competitions, But hanging out with friends is good time!
Biggest vice?
TF: Probably eating! That or sleeping.
Biggest pet peeve?
TF: Loud eating! I can’t stand it, please chew with your mouth closed!
Advice to others who want to follow in your footsteps?
TF: Give it a try. If you like it do the work, things will pay off and you’ll have a great time!