Latest news with #AlexFerreira
Fox News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
US Olympic skier opens up on evolution of rivalry with Canada ahead of 2026 Winter Games
Wednesday marks six months until the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Team USA will renew its winter rivalry with Canada in the first Olympics in a new geopolitical landscape in North America. American men's skiing medalist Alex Ferreira, entering his third Winter Games, told Fox News Digital he has always seen Canada as one of his country's biggest rivals in his sport, alongside New Zealand. "New Zealand and Canada are the two biggest rivals," Ferreira said, pointing to Canadian Brendan Mackay as one of his top individual rivals. "Some of the most intense competitions I've had with some of the Canadians was in 2023, the Bakuriani, Georgia, World Championships with Brendan Mackay and myself. Brendan ended up winning. … Brendan skied really great there." But, in 2026, Ferreira believes the rivalry will "probably" burn even hotter, citing the tensions created by recent U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods earlier this year. "Probably, because what [President Donald] Trump is saying about the tariffs and everything, I'm sure there's a bit of rivalry going on there. But, certainly the Canadians, like Brendan is getting better every single day. I myself am training every single day. So, I think we both just really want to win," Ferreira said. "You just want to represent your country as best as possible, and being American, I just, of course, I want to win. They're our neighbors up north, and they're great people. But I want to beat them." Ferreira is familiar with the Canadian slopes his rivals use to train. He's competed at the Windsport Park in Calgary every year in recent years for competitions and the famed ski hills in Whistler. But Ferreira believes the slopes in Colorado are "more intense" and will give him and the other Americans an advantage when it comes time to compete at Milano Cortina. The men's skiing competitions will take place at Livigno, which Ferreira claims is more similar to Colorado than Canada. "Yeah, definitely [Colorado slopes] are a bit more intense, no question. What I will say is more intense in Canada is definitely the cold. It's definitely nippy up there. It's freezing," Ferreira said. "It certainly can give an advantage because it's more similar to what's being held in Milano Cortina, especially in Livigno, where our venue will be held. It's definitely more similar to Colorado than it is to Canada." Ferreira says he has invited Canadian rivals, including Mackay, to Colorado to train together, and they have invited him to Canada to do the same, but neither side has ever agreed to meet up to do it. "I get it. Everyone's busy. They got their own things going on, and it's just easier when you train in your own country. So, I totally understand. So, they've never taken me up on it, and I've actually never taken them up on going up there either," Ferreira said. As a Catholic American, Ferreira is proud to have seen the first-ever American-born Pope. "It's spectacular. It's never been done before, so it's certainly a special time," Ferreira said. Ferreira's devotion to Catholicism dates back to his childhood, and he credits his faith with helping him achieve success in his skiing career. "I've grown up as a Catholic. I was at first communion and had confirmation," he said. "I'm religious in the way in believing in the universe and doing everything in your power to put yourself in luck's way and be a good person and ultimately follow the golden rule, 'Do unto others how you want to be treated.' "It benefits my skiing performance because you're able to put your head on the pillow every night and fall asleep. You've got to be able to be a good person and live with yourself everyday because that's the one person you can't get away from. So, if you're being a good person, and you're doing all the right things, and you're extending kindness, then it's easier to train. And it's easier to focus on your goals. And it's easier for them to come true, I believe." Right after finishing his last Olympic performance in Beijing in 2022, Ferreira ended his years-long break from eating meat when he took a bite into a classic American cheeseburger. "I had a cheeseburger after a year and a half or two years [away from meat], and it was the most delicious thing I've ever eaten. And, since then, I just feel a bit stronger," he said. "I don't know if I thought it was better for my body. It was just my palate was like, 'That was delicious, and we're not leaving that again.' "I might feel a touch stronger in some ways. I feel like I have more weight on my body in some ways." Ferreira ate meat throughout his life, including during his training leading up to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. But he experimented with going meatless and adopting a vegetarian/pescatarian diet in the years leading up to Beijing. "The thought process of originally cutting it out was, 'OK, let's give this a chance. I've heard of some other athletes trying it, like Novak Djokovic and some others.' And I figured, 'All right, why not? They're the best in the world,' and it worked. It was fine," Ferreira said. "I was definitely lighter weight-wise." Still, Ferreira aims to eat a lighter diet overall, and his breakfast is still entirely plant-based. "For breakfast, it's always oatmeal, 10 blueberries, Goji berries, cacao nibs, cashew butter, honey and tea. So, any sort of ginger-turmeric tea with honey as well. That's pretty standard. That's five to seven days a week." And while Ferreira has abandoned Djokovic's example of avoiding meat, he still follows another global sports legend, soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, in avoiding alcohol altogether. The Winter Olympics and Paralympics begin in February 2026. More information about the athletes can be found at
Fox News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Fox News
US Olympic skier Alex Ferreira talks rivalry with Canada ahead of 2026 Winter Games
American men's skiing Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira opened up to Fox News Digital about the intense skiing rivalry between the U.S. and Canada that will be renewed in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games, amid heightened tension.
Associated Press
07-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Zipline Ski Unveils Revolutionary Hexagon Triax Weave Graphite Technology for Unparalleled Performance
Innovative Ski Pole Design Co-Created by Olympic Champion Alex Ferreira Baltimore, MD - March 07, 2025 - Zipline Ski, a leader in high-performance ski equipment, is redefining the standards of ski pole innovation with the launch of its Hexagon Triax Weave Graphite Technology. Developed in collaboration with Olympic, World Cup, and X Games Champion Alex Ferreira, this advanced engineering breakthrough offers enhanced strength, reduced weight, and superior vibration dampening, catering to skiers at every level—from recreational enthusiasts to elite competitors. A Breakthrough in Ski Pole Engineering Unlike traditional round ski poles, Zipline Ski's latest offering introduces a hexagonal shaft design. Dupont's Kevlar-reinforced construction further enhances durability while keeping the poles lightweight, a crucial factor for performance-driven skiers who demand precision and reliability. Its signature 'trigger finger' ZipGrip is built with thermoplastic (TPU) and contours to your hand, preventing your gloves from slipping. Velcro Straps are easily adjustable on the fly. Also, it has tough and sharp carbide Zip Tip with teeth, allowing precise pole plants and secured grip in any condition. 'As leaders in ski technology, we are committed to enhancing the performance and experience of skiers at every level,' said Chuck Heidenreich, President of Zipline Ski. 'Our Hexagon Triax Weave Graphite poles offer the strength, lightweight feel, and responsiveness that athletes need to perform at their best. By working alongside a champion like Alex Ferreira, we've designed a ski pole that meets the highest standards of performance and durability.' Trusted by the World's Top Skiers Zipline Ski's commitment to cutting-edge technology has made its products the go-to choice for Olympic athletes and competitive skiers worldwide. The Alex Ferreira Hex 16K Graphite Kevlar Hybrid ski poles—specifically designed with Ferreira's input—played a pivotal role in his dominant the 2024 and 2025 FIS Crystal Globe-winning season. Several other world-class athletes trust Zipline Ski's high-performance ski poles, including: David Wise – Two-time Olympic medalist (Gold in 2018, Silver in 2022) and three-time X Games halfpipe champion, who uses the MR DW Blurr David Wise autograph edition graphite ski pole. Ben Harrington – New Zealand's representative in the 2022 Winter Olympics in halfpipe skiing uses the Zipline Blurr model. U.S. Ski Team Mogul Athletes, including Charlie Mickel, Dylan Marcellini, and Nash Lucas, rely on Zipline ski poles and/or goggles for competition. A Decade of Excellence in Ski Equipment Innovation Zipline Ski was founded by former World Cup freestyle skiers and coaches, with the mission of delivering elite-quality ski equipment to athletes and enthusiasts alike. Over the past decade, the brand has grown into an industry leader, recognized for its expert craftsmanship and continuous technological advancements. A standout feature of Zipline Ski poles is their high-modulus carbon fiber graphite construction, which significantly reduces weight while improving durability and vibration absorption. These attributes make them ideal for competitive skiers seeking gear that enhances performance and minimizes fatigue on the slopes. 'Performance skiing demands equipment that is as tough as the athletes using it,' said Heidenreich. 'Our design team, made up of skiers who understand the sport at the highest level, continues to innovate and refine our technology to ensure we stay ahead of the curve.' Beyond ski poles, Zipline Ski offers a range of high-performance ski gear, including ski goggles, snowboard goggles, ski bags, and freestyle mogul skis, all designed with the same commitment to quality and performance. Why the Hexagon Shape Matters A hexagon is generally considered stronger than a round shape, like a circle, because it distributes forces more evenly across its sides. This makes a hexagon better at handling pressure, while a circle, with just one curved edge, has to distribute force less effectively. Here are some key points about the strength of hexagons: Even force distribution: With multiple sides, a hexagon spreads weight evenly, making it more resistant to deformation. Nature's design: Bees build honeycombs with hexagonal cells, showing how nature uses this shape for strength and efficiency. Compared to a circle: Although circles are strong because they have no corners, a hexagon is typically stronger when comparing shapes with the same perimeter. The Hexagon Triax Weave Graphite Technology is more than just a structural change—it represents an evolution in ski pole design. Traditional round poles, while effective, do not optimize aerodynamics or power distribution as efficiently as a hexagonal structure. By utilizing this shape, Zipline Ski has improved: 'ZIP TOUCH' DUAL DENSITY GRIP - Our signature 'trigger finger' ZipGrip is built with thermoplastic (TPU) and contours to your hand, preventing your gloves from slipping. Aerodynamics – Reduced air resistance allows for smoother, more controlled movements at high speeds. Power Transfer – The unique structure maximizes force distribution, ensuring better energy efficiency with each turn and push. Designed for Skiers of All Levels While the Hexagon Triax Weave Graphite ski poles were engineered with input from elite athletes, their benefits extend to skiers at all experience levels. Whether navigating steep backcountry terrain, carving through fresh powder, or training for competitive events, these ski poles provide a tangible edge in performance. From recreational skiers looking to upgrade their gear to seasoned professionals preparing for competition, Zipline Ski's newest innovation is designed to elevate the skiing experience for all. The Hexagon Triax Weave Graphite ski poles are now available for purchase exclusively through Zipline Ski's official website ( With the ski season winding down starting March 1st, now is the time for skiers to invest in the latest advancements in ski technology. About Zipline Ski Zipline Ski is a premier manufacturer of high-performance ski equipment, specializing in ski poles, goggles, ski bags, and freestyle mogul skis. Founded by former World Cup freestyle skiers and coaches, the company has spent the last decade refining cutting-edge technology to enhance ski performance. Trusted by Olympians, professionals, and passionate skiers worldwide, Zipline Ski continues to set new standards in the ski equipment industry. Company Name: Zipline Ski
