Q&A with Kit “Kitski” Deslauriers

GU ATHLETE: Kit “Kitski” Deslauriers
SPORT: Freeskiing, ski mountaineering
BIRTHPLACE: Albany, New York, 1969
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
WEBSITE: www.kitdski.com

Proudest athletic accomplishment?
First person to ski from the highest point on each continent, the Seven Summits; 2004 and 2005 World Freeskiing Women’s Champion.

Superstitions for training or competition? Only visualize success.

Funny racing/training story?
At the US Freeskiing Nationals in Snowbird Utah I came down with a virus of some sort and lost my voice, but still won the 2 day event.
My husband Rob had to talk to the media for me, I was literally speechless!

What’s the strangest thing a spectator has ever said to you while you were racing?
Something about how much older I was than them, in a not so nice way. It was really a lowball way to try to get me riled up and lose focus because I was winning, but I didn’t let it get to me.

What characteristics do you most respect in your competitors?
Kindness and humility for those at the top; kindness and drive for those finishing last.

If you were not a pro athlete, what would you do professionally?
Landscape architecture.

When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
A farmer! I love early mornings and nature so it made sense as a kid.

Song title that best fits your personality/spirit?
Dreams Be Dreams, by Jack Johnson.

How do you reward yourself when you reach a key goal?
A big steak and glass of red wine!

If you were a contestant on Survivor, what would be your one comfort item from home?
Coffee, not instant either.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what flavor of GU would you want with you?
I am such a Chocolate GU lover, that’s an easy question.

What’s the most creative way you’ve ever carried your GU?
Inside my foam water bottle insulator next to my bottle of hot water so it is still edible in Antarctica or on Everest.

Personal causes you’re involved in?
I started a non-profit called Pursue Balance that gives seed money to people seeking to follow a dream and also offers information about living an environmentally sound and mentally clear lifestyle. I am also on the board of Keep Yellowstone Nuclear Free which is a nuclear watchdog group in the Jackson Hole area keeping an eye on the Idaho Nuclear Laboratory.

Three things people don’t know about you?
I raised a wolf pup from 14 days old. I didn’t start alpine skiing until I was 14 years old. I have a new little baby girl named Grace.