This Thanksgiving, as we head into yet another winter, we asked a handful of X Games freeskiing athletes what they're especially thankful for at this time of year. Here's what they said.
"I love Thanksgiving because I can tell everybody how thankful I am that they are in my life without being weird. I am thankful that I have such an amazing family and a great group of friends. I am also thankful that I am lucky enough to be able to ski every day and have such a beautiful place to call home." -- Keri Herman
"Being able to live the lifestyle I want. Thanks to all my fans for making it possible and sponsors." -- Sammy Carlson
"I have been blessed and I am thankful for everything, but I am especially thankful for my family and friends. You could spend a lifetime pursuing greatness, but it is the effect that you have on the people you love that will mean the most in the end." -- David Wise
"After moving out this year I am thankful for my awesome family and dog. This fall, I'm really lucky to have my health and the people at U.S. Freeskiing to kick my butt and keep me healthy throughout the winter." -- Maddie Bowman
"As a pro skier, I am very thankful for my health, my friends, and the confidence going into this season. I am also thankful to be doing what I love to do everyday! As I head into this winter, I feel lucky to be on my skis everyday making laps and having fun. The more time on skis, the better." -- Nick Goepper
"I'm thankful for a healthy start to the season and for the support I've had all summer from physical therapists and coaches to get me and my knee back in tip top shape. Can't wait to put it back to use and really feel how strong it is." -- Brita Sigourney
"This last year has been one of the toughest years for me, and I'm thankful for that. It has given me the ability to see through the insignificant, to be grateful for what I have and not be dwelling on what I don't. I'm thankful for my dad, still here with us after three years of battling cancer, for my mom for supporting him, and for my sister for always supporting me. I am thankful for every day that I can continue pursuing my dreams, even when the challenges never cease." -- Jen Hudak
"I am so lucky to get to do what I love to do almost every day of the year and that I am continuously surrounded by people whose company I enjoy. I'm thankful that things have worked out as well as they have and that I am where I am in my career. I'm thankful to everyone who's helped me get here. I feel lucky for my health. Despite a few little injuries over the summer, I'm feeling really good going into the season." -- Gus Kenworthy
"I'm thankful for such a supportive family and boyfriend for helping me through all ups and downs over the last year and having my back 100 percent. I feel lucky heading into the winter having had a good, balanced season of proper rest and training and meditation. I'm ready for the season." -- Ashley Battersby
