Review: “American Flyers”, February 2006, Outside Magazine

I’ve been skiing since I was two and have been a fan of ski racing since about 1980 (Lake Placid). In 1984 Phil Mahre won the overall Men’s World Cup, since then the Europeans have dominated the sport. It wasn’t until the last few years that the Americans have been a contender and last season the New Hampshire native Bode Miller won the World Cup.
This article, written by Bruce Barcott, not only deals with the controversial Miller but also the rise of the US Ski Team, the factors that got them to where they are now and what they desire to accomplish in Italy this February. Barcott develops a story with several flashbacks; he uses historical reference to support the ideas and events that are explaining the path of athletes and coaches from the 80’s and 90’s to the present day.
I enjoy how he draws on the events of the individual (see page 60, 2nd paragraph) with their words and actions to bring the viewer into the scene. You are able to grasp that mentality and vocation of a 21-year-old hotdog skier through personal description and photography. Barcott also describes when necessary the fashion and language of certain people that helps the reader form a better depiction and opinion. He also provides plenty of technical information. As easy as it was for me to understand I am aware that there may be a lot of people who do not comprehend any of these disciplines and need that explanation. That is accomplished in a very concise yet thorough manner.
Barcott’s use of analogies that tie skiers to well-known and established Hollywood movies and professional sports teams provides a solid understanding of his concept. He uses the “Bad News Bears” and the New York Yankees as examples. I believe that these examples work well because I think that most of the audience that is reading this article is older. Probably 30 and above who know the original “Bad News Bears” with Walter Matthau and who doesn’t know what the Yankees have been up to over the past decade.
He provides plenty of background material throughout that sets the stage as well as fills the reader in on things like tension and rivalry between countries or a skiers childhood.
One big issue in this article is the sponsorship and money that gets a team going and keeps it running. He goes into detail about the one person responsible for that. He demonstrates what it’s like to be a great American skier but barely scraping by while the Austrians are driving Porsche.
Barcott appeals to our sense of grief by generating hope and faith because these athletes have struggled for so long and went underappreciated. He presents them in their newfound glory with a presence that cannot be denied.
Overall, I think this article was very well written. It is supported throughout with stories, names, dates and events. He flashes back often to remind us about certain people and why they are at a spot right now in their lives. He describes very well a sport that many Americans only know exist every fourth year. He develops a willingness to understand the people involved and the situation so that the public after reading this article will be cheering a great deal harder for this February.