By Brian Nordli, Reno Gazette-Journal

When skier Daron Rahlves is asked about the legacy he will leave for future skiers, the answer is different almost every time.

Minutes before he presents to the country’s top ski boot fitters at Circus Circus in Reno last week, it’s to be known as someone who loved the sport and inspired others to ski.

Daron Rahlves

Rahlves, 38, recently entered the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. He will be inducted into the inaugural class of the Reno-Tahoe Winter Games Coalition International Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, for his accomplishments as an alpine downhill and skicross athlete. The honors invoke reflection on a completed career, from his 12 World Cup race victories, seven U.S. National titles and four Olympic selections. Yet, the answer keeps changing, because Rahlves considers his career to be anything but over.

“It’s almost like, ‘Oh, you’re retiring from this?’ No it’s not retiring, it’s transitioning,” Rahlves said. “I’m still trying to have success in a different way in the sport. Now, it’s getting more interested in the adventure side.”

Jon Killoran, CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Winter Games Coalition, said Rahlves was a near-unanimous choice of the hall’s selection committee. Rahlves grew up on the mountains in Tahoe, and carved a career out of his passion for going fast. Killoran, who is working to bring the 2022 Winter Olympics to the region, said when his name is mentioned to Tahoe residents, their eyes light up.

“They’re enthralled with his championship-caliber racing and Olympic endeavors,” Killoran said. “He’s the kind of guy with his (Banzai Tour) and work with Sugar Bowl that gives back to the sport.”

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