Enfield Ski Racer Makes U.S. Paralympics Team

ENFIELD, CT — At the Connecticut Sports Writers' Alliance annual Gold Key Dinner in 2014, then-Fermi High School senior Andrew Haraghey of Enfield received the Bob Casey Courage Award. During his introduction, Haraghey's presenter said, "Korea, watch out, because 2018 is coming, and so is Andrew Haraghey."

Four years later, that proclamation has come true, as Haraghey was announced Tuesday as one of the members of the alpine skiing team that will represent the United States at the Paralympic Winter Games next month in PyeongChang, South Korea.

A total of 19 competitors plus four guides comprise Team USA, including four returning Paralympic medalists from the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

“After four years of preparation, our team is ready to prove themselves at the pinnacle of Paralympic competition: the Paralympic Winter Games,” said Kevin Jardine, director of U.S. Paralympics Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding. “We have a great balance of veterans who know what it takes to succeed at the highest level as well as younger talent who are eager to make a name for themselves. I feel confident that our team will rise to the occasion and look forward to seeing which athletes have breakout performances for Team USA.”

Haraghey, a student at Westminster College in Utah who has cerebral palsy, first put on a pair of skis at age 7. By age 10, he was skiing independently, and by his high school years, he had begun experiencing success that enhanced his dream of competing for Team USA.

"We are super excited, it's been a seven-year journey," Haraghey's mom, Sheryl, said in an interview with Patch. "For him to make the team is beyond our wildest dreams."

Haraghey attempted to qualify for the 2014 Games, but came up a bit short. With the support of his family, he increased his determination to make the 2018 team, persevering despite suffering a broken femur in a crash during a training run two years ago.

"We must have had 18 fundraisers, and received tons of support from family, friends and the community," Sheryl Haraghey said. "It takes a lot to get an athlete to the Games."

Haraghey and his teammates are currently in Aspen, Col. for a 7-day camp prior to heading to South Korea. Opening ceremonies are slated for Friday, March 9.

The U.S. will begin competition at the Jeongseon Alpine Centre with the men’s and women’s downhill on March 10 and finish with women’s slalom on March 18. Athletes will compete in 30 medal events across three classifications (sitting, standing and visually impaired) and five disciplines (downhill, super-G, super combined, slalom and giant slalom).

Photos and video courtesy of Sheryl Haraghey