Olympian Leanne Smith followed her older sister Laurel into skiing, latched onto racing and has continued to shave microseconds from her time. A NorAm champion and topflight junior skier, she inked a spot on the World Cup elite after finishing 23rd in her career first World Cup start, which also happened to be the first downhill of the 2008 season.

Fast-forward to 2013 and Smith is already one of the premier speed athletes in the world. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Smith's two Audi FIS Alpine World Cup downhill podiums and a slew of super G top 10's landed her 12th in both disciplines at the season’s close. What's more, that was good enough for 25th in the overall standings – her best season on record.

It’s no wonder she always rocks Teen Wolf-style Shred shades, because she's staring into a future as bright as the sun.

LEANNE SAYS
The World Cup podium is something that you dream about - that you put your heart and soul into. Every day you try to do your best. Val d'Isere was my day. I skied as hard as I could and I can't express how awesome it feels to know you can be there with the best.

I've been on the World Cup team for a few years now and it’s starting to feel comfortable. Hopefully you'll see more of me now.

The U.S. Ski Team is amazing. In every downhill, there is a new girl on the podium. We put in so much effort during summertime in the gym. It's amazing to be part of a team like this - helping each other and hoping each other does well. My teammates know they can be on the podium too. We have a great coaching staff right now and a great set of technicians.

FIRST TRACKS
On skis at 6, Smith skied at Cranmore, the heralded Mount Washington Valley ski area made famous when instructional legend Hannes Schneider arrived from Austria in 1938. Smith skied for Cranmore’s race team until she entered Kennett H.S., where she continued racing. She spent a year at UNH and took leave for Winter ’07, when she moved to the Mount Washington Valley Ski Team. She then erupted, having a breakout season as a double NorAm champion, which led her directly to the World Cup and the U.S. Ski Team.

OFF THE SNOW
Smith is a big fan of Banana Bread, Dumb and Dumber and The Office. She digs the Arcade Fire, Guitar Hero and would be a pro mountain biker or rock climber if skiing wasn't her sport of choice. She’s also into neon sunglasses (80's style Shred shades) and practical jokes. You'll also find her on vocals in the speed team band.