Vermonter Skier Wins Olympic Gold

Barbara Ann Cochran and Ross Powers bring home the gold for Vermont

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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On this day in 1972, 18-year-old Barbara Ann Cochran from Vermont won the gold medal in the Olympic slalom event in Sapporo, Japan, ending a 20-year medal drought for Americans in the event. Thirty years later in 2002, another Vermonter, Ross Powers of Londonderry, won gold in the men's half-pipe event at the Salt Lake City Olympics, leading a US sweep of the medals just one day after his 23rd birthday.

Why it matters

Vermont has a long and proud history of producing world-class winter athletes, and these Olympic gold medal wins helped cement the state's reputation as a hub for skiing and snowboarding talent. The victories also inspired generations of young Vermonters to pursue their dreams of Olympic glory.

The details

Barbara Ann Cochran's slalom victory in 1972 came by the smallest margin in history, while Ross Powers' 2002 half-pipe win was part of a US medal sweep. Both athletes hailed from Vermont, showcasing the state's ability to cultivate top-tier winter sports talent.

  • On February 11, 1972, Barbara Ann Cochran won the Olympic gold medal in slalom in Sapporo, Japan.
  • On February 12, 2002, Ross Powers won the Olympic gold medal in men's half-pipe in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The players

Barbara Ann Cochran

An 18-year-old skier from Vermont who won the Olympic gold medal in slalom in 1972.

Ross Powers

A snowboarder from Londonderry, Vermont who won the Olympic gold medal in men's half-pipe in 2002.

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The takeaway

These Olympic victories by Vermont athletes showcase the state's ability to cultivate top-tier winter sports talent and inspire generations of young Vermonters to pursue their dreams of Olympic glory.