Sophia Waldauf first started skiing at the young age of 3. By the time she reached 6, it was clear to her that this was her passion in life, and she wanted to become a professional alpine skier that would one day stand at the top of the podium. Read about Sophia's story - how passion, hard work, and dedication to nutrition is taking her closer to her dream, and about the pitfalls that come with being a professional athlete.
The world of alpine skiing is both exhilarating and unforgiving: it’s not far between the ups and downs. For alpine ski racer Sophia Waldauf, the past few months have been a testament to this rollercoaster ride - from the amazing milestone of her first World Cup start to the setback of a serious cruciate ligament injury in February 2023.
Sophia has made it her life's mission to conquer the slopes. Following her injury, instead of giving up, she made a decision to not only recover but to return stronger, faster, and better than ever before. In this challenging comeback journey, Sophia discovered the power of nutrition, and her partner in this endeavour was Eqology, with Patrick Larcher at the helm.
Before incorporating Eqology's Pure Arctic Oil into her routine, Sophia faced a nutritional dilemma that affected her Omega-3 levels. Despite a seemingly balanced diet and three years of regular Omega-3 supplementation, her body exhibited a staggering ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 at 26:1 (a person with a healthy ratio should be 5:1 or lower). This revelation was a shock for an athlete who has meticulously paid attention to nutrition. Eqology's Pure Arctic Oil became a game-changer in Sophia's journey. In just two months of regular intake, her Omega-3 ratio underwent a remarkable transformation, plummeting from 26:1 to an impressive 5:1. The impact was not only evident in the numbers but she could feel the difference in her daily life. The Omega-3 Test results served as tangible proof, motivating her with a constant drive for improvement. For Sophia, it was about seeing the results on paper that fueled her commitment to maintaining a healthy and optimised lifestyle.
When asked about her daily routine, Sophia provided a glimpse into the life of a dedicated alpine ski racer. Her day starts at 6 a.m. with mobility practice and a cycling session, followed by training until midday. After a well-deserved lunch and a brief nap, the afternoon is dedicated to regeneration - physical therapy, cycling, core strengthening, yoga, and meditation. The day concludes with a thorough analysis of her skiing performance with her trainer before a disciplined bedtime at 22:00.
Sophia's journey of recovery after the injury has not just been physical, but emotional. The hard path back to the slopes was truly a testament to her resilience. Despite the hardships, Sophia has already started training on the slopes, and is determined to return to competitive skiing. Looking ahead, Sophia is preparing for participation in the upcoming season, but with a measured approach. She has decided to not rush into races, but rather starting when she feels compatible and ready to win. Her ultimate goal is crystal clear - to reach the pinnacle of alpine ski racing and stand on top of the podium.
