Ryan Cochran-Siegle hails from a distinguished family of skiers, with five Olympians in his lineage, including his mother, Barbara Ann, who won gold in the giant slalom at the 1972 Sapporo Games. Currently competing in his third Winter Olympics, Cochran-Siegle previously secured a silver medal in the super G at the 2022 PyeongChang Games.
Despite the emphasis on speed in skiing, Cochran-Siegle emphasizes the importance of strength, particularly in the lower body. "Quad strength is incredibly important," he explains. "Deep squats allow you to handle heavy loads, and I prefer to perform a higher number of sets to build strength, while also targeting my glutes and hamstrings with Romanian deadlifts (RDLs)."
Ultimately, Cochran-Siegle aims to cultivate versatility, as skiing demands a broad spectrum of athletic abilities. "You need stability, endurance, and strength--all integrated into one," he notes. "Skiing is a lengthy event, requiring you to be a well-rounded athlete. It's about balancing various skills across the board."
To deepen your squat like Cochran-Siegle, try placing your heels on 10-pound plates during your next workout. This heel elevation can enhance your range of motion.