Flashback | Pole-vault pioneer hit new heights as skier

Athlete: Libby Ludlow, Interlake, Class of 2000

Sports: Soccer, track and field

High-school rewind: Three-year letter winner and all-conference midfielder in soccer until ski-racing knee injury kept her from playing as a senior. In track and field, was a pioneer in girls pole vaulting, which was not a sanctioned sport until her senior year. As a freshman, tied state record of 11 feet. Won state title as a sophomore when it was an exhibition sport, and was second as a senior. Named to U.S. Ski Team at age 16.

After high school: Despite serious knee injuries, including torn ACLs in both knees, Ludlow has enjoyed nine seasons on the U.S. Team. She won a U.S. title in giant slalom in 2004, had three top-10 finishes in Super G on the World Cup circuit in 2006, helping clinch a spot on the 2006 Olympic team. She finished ninth in the Super G in this year's World Championships in Sweden.

At the end of each ski season, Ludlow attends classes at Dartmouth during spring quarter. She is a sophomore at the Ivy League school and plans to graduate in 2010.

Personal: Ludlow, 25 and single, splits time between the Seattle area, Hanover, N.H., and Europe.

Fast forward: Ludlow takes pride in seeing the growth of girls pole vaulting. Her state record has since been bested by almost two feet.

"I'm a big proponent for women's sports, so I feel proud to have paved the way a little bit for future vaulters," she said.

Involvement in other sports has been crucial to her ski-racing success.

"Being adaptable is the most important thing for a ski racer," she said.

Ludlow plans to ski through the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver/Whistler, then retire.

"Competing in Vancouver is such a huge dream of mine," said Ludlow, who has arthritis in her right knee. "With all my body has been through, I might be able to keep skiing after that, but I want to someday be able to teach my kids to ski one day, so I figure I'd better save my body."

John Boyle