Pro Snowboarder's Epic Return After Quitting Twice

Madeline Schaffrick, once hailed as a future Olympic snowboarding star, abandoned the sport twice, deeply disillusioned by the pressure and the loss of her adolescence. After her initial retirement at age 20, she pursued a career in plumbing for two years, finding satisfaction in its tangible challenges. This period offered a respite from the mental toll of professional sports. However, a year and a half ago, Schaffrick began a remarkable comeback, driven by a rediscovered love for snowboarding and a desire to compete for the right reasons.

Schaffrick's journey included volunteer coaching, which reignited her passion and allowed her to reconnect with the sport. This led to a role with the U.S. Snowboarding team, where she confronted past traumas and anxieties. Her dedication culminated in qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, a testament to her resilience. At 31, she is now pursuing her Olympic dream with a renewed sense of self and purpose, proving it's never too late to rewrite one's story.