Summit Freshman Kayla Broecker Excels in Skiing and Distance Running

$0. That's what it costs to watch Kayla Broecker compete, and folks around here are getting a front-row seat to the rise of a dual-sport sensation. The 14-year-old Summit freshman is making waves in both the skiing and distance running worlds, with a recent 18-second win in the 1600-meter run at the Husky Invitational in Edwards. For context, her time of 5 minutes, 14.74 seconds was just 10 seconds shy of the program freshmen mile record set by former state cross-country, track, and nordic ski state champion Ella Hagen.

Let's do the math: Broecker's solo effort at altitude was a remarkable feat, especially considering the physiological demands of mogul skiing, which more closely mimic the 100-meter dash. And yet, she's found a way to excel in both sports, using each to improve her performance in the other. "Moguls helps me work different muscles which also can help me in running," she said. "I kind of use both to make me better at (each) sport."

On paper, it sounds like a daunting task: balancing the demands of mogul skiing with the rigors of distance running. But in practice, Broecker has found a way to make it work. During the winter, she cross-trains on the bike or in the pool on high-volume ski days. When the mogul sessions are shorter, she runs longer. It's a delicate balance, but one that's clearly paying off. Broecker's progress on snow has been impressive, too. She started doing back tucks and made nationals, a feat she was "super proud" of. And on the track, she's got her sights set on contending in both the 3,200 and 1,600 meter runs at Jeffco Stadium this May.

Her mindset is focused on having fun and improving with each opportunity. "I was just like, oh have fun with this, you’re just a freshman — you have other opportunities and chances to get better at the sport," she said.

The community is taking notice of Broecker's talent, and she's got some notable competition in the region. Battle Mountain sophomore Eden DeMino, who won the Colorado state slalom title in February and was fifth in state cross-country as a sophomore, tracked Broecker closely in the Husky Invitational. DeMino's objective was to hang on for as long as she could, but Broecker's metronomic precision ultimately paid off.

Freddy Mooney, the mogul program director at Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, has witnessed Broecker's dedication firsthand. "Any time we’re in a hotel room and we had two hours in the morning before departing to go somewhere, I go sneak in workouts and she’d be on the treadmill," he said. "Or I’m driving to the grocery store and she’s running down the road next to the houses where we’re staying. She found ways to continue her training for running."

As Broecker continues to make a name for herself in both skiing and distance running, locals can expect to see her competing at the highest level. And with her unique blend of talent, dedication, and perseverance, she's got a bright future ahead of her. The practical bottom line: Kayla Broecker is a name to watch, and her rise to fame is going to be exciting to follow.