Erik began skiing when he was eighteen months old and racing when he was eight years old. Originally he raced for lollipops (every kid got one) but a few months later, when Erik's father Kent was tucking him in, he asked his Dad if he could be the best in the world, to which Kent responded, Yes, you can if you put your mind to it. From then on, Erik dedicated himself to becoming the best in the world.

At age 14 he was Eastern Junior Champ, age 16 he was J1 Slalom/GS Champ, and by the age of 18 he was on the U.S. Ski Team. So when he qualified for the US Ski Team and won a national title, it was affirmation that he was on the right path. Erik was on to the world scene, however, Erik's rise there was not as swift.

In 1993, Erik made a name for himself at the World Championships in Japan. Unfortunately it was not for his outstanding performance, but because he crashed on the downhill course. It was so spectacular and dramatic, he hit a jump and flew over 200 feet before landing on his tailbone - that ESPN continually replayed it and it ended up as one of the all-time greatest crashes.

Erik lay slumped for minutes before it was confirmed that he was still breathing. Erik was still alive, and he could move but could he ski race again? He had broken his back, severed his tongue, cracked his sternum, broken a couple of ribs and punctured a lung. Even if he was physically capable, would he have the guts to hurtle himself down a mountain traveling 70 miles per hour again? The answer is yes. Later that year, Erik was ski racing again and even competed at the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer. He, however, did not live happily ever after. There were a couple more detours first.

In 1995, Erik considered giving up his position on the US Ski Team to join the pro-tour. Erik was still in love with ski racing but disheartened by his lack of improvement while on the US Ski Team. On the one hand, the auspicious start to his career had severely plateaued, and he did not want to languish in mediocrity and yet if he left the team he would be giving up a chance to compete in the Olympics again, for no one had ever left the team and returned. Erik decided that commitment to his craft was more important. He took a step that many thought absurd but, he wanted to take responsibility for himself ö he left the Ski Team. He joined the pro tour (which no longer exists) and he even earned the title of Rookie of the Year! On this tour Erik had to be completely self sufficient and he believes it gave him everything he needed to be successful on his own.

Erik realized that in order to fulfill his dream of becoming the best in the world, he would need to rejoin the US Ski Team, with confidence he set out to do what many deemed impossible. Erik borrowed $25,000, bought a minivan, hired a coach and set out to earn enough points in FIS sanctioned races to qualify for the team. Limited funds meant he was confined to races in the US. He and his coach would alternate driving for dozens of hours going from race to race. He would start last, behind kids who had just joined the tour, since he had no ranking, and ski on courses which were extremely rutted from the 130 racers that went before him. Commitment to his program, patience, belief in himself, and tenacity, in addition to the support of his family and the guidance of his mentor, Dean, are what allowed him to go on. Slowly but surely he climbed his way, earning points and improving his start position. He finally earned his spot back on the team in the most dramatic fashion but what truly capped it off was in only his 2nd season back with the team he finished ranked 3rd in the world.

He has now been a member of the U.S. Ski Team for the past 14 years and has wowed his fans with his persistence and will to be #1. He is one of the best skiers in the world and will be looking to compete in his 4th Olympic Games in 2010!