Statement from Andrew McKeough on Returning to Skiing

COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA AND PRESS OFFICE

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release | February 28, 2026

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Statement from Andrew McKeough on Returning to Skiing

Standing at the top of the mountain today, looking out over the snow, I was filled with a profound sense of gratitude that is difficult to put into words. It has been 11 years since that day at Bear Creek in 2015; a day that changed the trajectory of my life and began a decade-long journey of recovery, resilience and rediscovery.

For a long time, the slopes represented a chapter of my life that I thought was closed forever. The physical and emotional weight of the accident was a mountain of its own to climb. There were days when just walking without pain felt like a victory, and the idea of clicking back into a pair of skis felt like a distant, impossible dream.

But healing isn't just about the body; it’s about reclaiming the parts of yourself you thought were lost. Being back on my skis today isn't about speed or skill; it’s about the triumph of the human spirit. It’s a tribute to the surgeons, the therapists, my family, my friends and my late parents who stood by me when the path forward was unclear.

To anyone facing their own mountain or recovering from a setback that feels insurmountable: do not rush the process, but do not lose your hope. Eleven years is a long time to wait, but the air at the summit has never tasted sweeter. It’s good to be back.

-Andrew K. McKeough

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