Biography
Connecticut native Kiley McKinnon has only been competing in aerials for two years but she has already racked up and impressive list of accomplishments.  After being introduced to aerials by a friend, McKinnon showed early promise finishing fifth in her first competition, 2011 U.S. National Championships.

Early on in the 2012 season, McKinnon followed up her national’s debut success by landing a victory in just her second NorAm competition ever. Four wins later, McKinnon wrapped up the overall NorAm title in her first year on the tour.  A silver medal at the 2012 U.S. National Championships and a bronze medal at the FIS Junior World Championships capped her stellar season.

“My path to the U.S Ski Team has been extremely exciting. I never thought that something like this would happen to me especially in such a short time,” says McKinnon. “I have really worked hard to get to this point, but my parents and coaches have definitely helped me and supported me a lot throughout the way. I really can’t thank them enough!”

Kiley Says
Overall, I was very happy with how my season went.  It was only my second season doing aerials so it really couldn’t have gone any better and I couldn’t have expected anything more. In my first NorAm tour, I was named the NorAm Grand Prix Champion. I was also named to the World Cup team and competed in my first ever World Cup competitions. I competed in Junior Nationals for the second time, where I placed first and competed at U.S Nationals for the second time, where I placed second.  I think my biggest achievement of the season however, was qualifying for my first Junior Worlds where I ended up placing third. 

Of course making the U.S Ski Team was an amazing way to top of my season and I couldn’t be happier.  The most fun part of the season was definitely traveling to Italy with my team and competing at such an amazing place. I had never been to Europe before so it was a really great experience.

I’m really looking forward to competing in more World Cups. I hope to compete well and to train hard so that I can have a successful season. Being a pre-Olympic year, my goals are still the same. I want to continue working hard and staying focused and with that I will see what comes in the future.

First Tracks
McKinnon first learned how to ski when she was around three years old and she’s loved it ever since. “About two years ago, a friend from my town, who also does aerials, told me I should try it out,” says McKinnon. “I went to Lake Placid, NY to see it what it was about and right away I knew it was what I wanted to do. Since then I’ve been training everyday and working hard to get to the point I am at today.”

Off the Snow
Away from the slopes, McKinnon enjoys hanging out with friends and going to the beach.  She also enjoys exercising and just relaxing at home.