Winter Olympics athlete Winter Vinecki left home at 13 to train for this moment
Winter by name, winner by nature. Winter Vinecki, a freestyle aerial skier on Team USA, will take to the slopes at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing with a can-do attitude born of inner strength and heartbreak.
See how a family tragedy motivated a girl named Winter to become a Winter Olympian.
23-year-old Winter comes from a family of athletes. She began making her mark in the sporting arena at just 5 years old when she followed her mom, Dawn Estelle, into the world of triathlon. Ten years later, the duo became the first mother and daughter to complete a marathon on every continent.
Winter's dad, Michael, was also a strong athlete and encouraged her love of the outdoors. Tragically, he passed away from prostate cancer at the age of 40.
In memory of her father, Winter became a champion of prostate cancer awareness. And in her first Winter Olympics, she'll continue to honor him in Beijing.