In this episode of the Legaski Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Kurka , an elite sit-skier on the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team and a multiple-time Paralympic medalist. From his roots in a small Russian village in Alaska to becoming one of the world’s top sit-skiers, Andrew shares how grit and tenacity shaped his career and life.

Andrew opens up about the ATV accident that paralyzed him at 13, how wrestling prepared him for elite skiing, and why mental toughness and discipline set the best athletes apart.

Beyond skiing, Andrew is a pilot, boat captain, and the owner of Golden Standard Bed & Breakfast in Alaska, where he leadsadventure camps for people with disabilities . He discusses his plans to become the first disabled flight instructor in the U.S., why he believes hard work beats talent , and how he’s paving the way for future adaptive athletes and adventurers.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The mindset shift that turned Andrew into an elite Paralympic skier

✅ How failure fuels growth and why the best competitors always focus on beating their past selves

✅ The importance of training off the snow for peak performance and injury resilience

✅ How Andrew built his bed and breakfast from scratch, funding it through his Paralympic winnings

✅ Why he’s dedicated to helping others with disabilities experience outdoor adventure

✅ His future plans to become a flight instructor and expand opportunities for disabled pilots

📍Links & Resources:🔗 Follow Andrew Kurka: