Portland’s Own: Jackie Wiles. From Mt. Hood to Olympic Bronze.
Every athlete starts with a dream and a community that supports them. We had the opportunity to interview Portland’s own Jackie Wiles about her life as an athlete from a supportive community like Portland.
After a career defined by speed and incredible resilience, this four-time Olympian recently achieved a dream milestone for herself: standing on the Olympic podium.
Before she was racing down slopes on the world stage, Jackie was just a two-year-old skiing on Mt. Hood. "I loved trying to chase my older brother all around the mountain," Jackie told us. She was at home in the snow. By age 5, she was already officially racing. And at age 9, a road trip to the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games changed everything for her. "It was in this moment that I saw ski racing on an international level, and my dream of becoming an Olympian was formed."
After years of hard work, training, triumphs and setbacks (including missing the 2018 Olympic Games due to an injury), Jackie’s dream of being an Olympian came true. She and teammate Paula Moltzan competed together in the new women’s combined event at this year’s Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Together, they won the bronze medal on Feb. 10.
"Paula and I were in complete shock," Jackie said. "That feeling of your childhood dreams coming true is something I will never forget. The feeling of pure joy and getting to share that moment with Paula and our family and friends was the coolest experience of my life."
Jackie’s path to this achievement hasn't been a straight line. With multiple injuries in her career, many wondered if she would hang up the skis. Her response? Keep on going! She said, "I am sure many people wondered if I should retire, but I am so grateful I stuck to my dreams. That feeling of being on the podium made all the hard times worth it."
After this year’s Olympic Games, Jackie isn't slowing down. She’s eyeing another season with the U.S. Ski Team and a 5th World Championship appearance in Switzerland. But Jackie has another love. She’s a licensed pilot ,and plans to transition into commercial or corporate aviation once her competition days are done.
Jackie left us with one piece of advice that she has learned throughout her life and career. She wants to ensure the next generation of girls and women in sports keep dreaming and working towards achieving those dreams. "Find something that you truly love doing, work as hard as you possibly can, and really believe in yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but if you do those things, anything is possible.”
When the World Cup circuit ends and Jackie finally returns home to Portland, she has a few go-to spots to feel at home. Locals might spot her at The Turning Peel, Harlow, Hush Hush, and The Sports Bra, of course!
Congratulations again to Jackie and her teammate Paula! Your home town fans were cheering the loudest for you during this year’s Olympics, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for you!
