Trinity College Dublin student athlete Ethan Bouchard is representing both his university and his country at the FISU Winter World University Games 2025. Taking place from the 13th - 23rd January in Torino, Italy, the international event will see top student-athletes from around the globe compete, with Ethan showcasing his skills in Alpine Skiing.
Ethan’s passion for skiing began early in life. "I first started skiing at the age of three at Sunday River in Maine, USA," he recalls. "After spending years in a learn-to-ski program, I was encouraged to join the racing program after constantly skiing ahead of my group. Ski racing became my passion, and by the age of nine, I was competing with the secondary school alpine team at Gould Academy."
His love for the sport and thrill of speed remains his greatest motivators. "Nothing compares to the crisp air and adrenaline rush of ski racing," he says. "Competing allows me to channel my passion for skiing fast." Ethan’s preparation for the Winter World University Games has been rigorous. "I took a gap year before starting at Trinity, skiing full-time in Sweden and Austria," he explains. "Since then, I’ve trained off snow during the summer and continued to refine my skills during the academic year. Trinity Sport has been instrumental in providing the resources and support I need to balance skiing with my studies."
A typical training day for Ethan is intense. "It starts with a light breakfast and warmup before gear checks and drills," he describes. "Course inspection is critical including analysing gate spacing, snow conditions, and terrain features helps me determine my optimal line. Training runs simulate race conditions, followed by video analysis and ski maintenance. Sharpening edges and waxing can take an hour or more, depending on the weather forecast for the next day."
Ethan is excited and honoured to represent both his university and country in Torino. "It’s a privilege to compete on this stage," he shares. "While nerves are always part of racing, I’m fortunate to have experience from previous international competitions like the European Youth Olympic Festival 2023 and the Junior Alpine World Championships. This will be my first event racing for Trinity College Dublin, and I look forward to using my past experiences to perform at my best."
Ethan’s personal goals at the Games include top-30 finishes in the Super G, Alpine Combined, and Giant Slalom events. "I know I have the ability to achieve this," he says confidently. "It’s about putting my best foot forward and executing on race day."
Managing academic responsibilities alongside high-level competition is no easy feat, but Ethan credits clear communication and planning. A first-year Global Business Studies student at Trinity Business School, he explains, "Keeping in touch with professors and updating them on my schedule has been key. Everyone has been wonderfully accommodating, which makes balancing both worlds possible."
Reflecting on his goals for the FISU Winter World University Games 2025 in Torino, Italy, Ethan emphasises making lasting memories and meaningful performances. "I hope to bring back results that reflect the hard work of everyone who supported my journey including Student Sport Ireland (SSI), Snow Sports Association of Ireland, and Trinity Sport."
Ethan’s future aspirations remain ambitious. "The Olympics have always been my dream," he states firmly. "Academically, I aim to graduate in Global Business and pursue a career that complements my passion for sport." The FISU Winter World University Games 2025 promise to be an unforgettable experience for Ethan, follow his journey as he competes against the world’s best in Alpine Skiing.