Hidden Champions

FIS

Hosted by 2x Paralympian Dani Aravich, this podcast features the world’s top para alpine, snowboard, and cross-country skiers, diving into what makes them the best, their journeys to Milano Cortina 2026, and how para sports actually work. Tune in for real stories and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t hear anywhere else. New episodes drop weekly now through March 6, available wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE TO “HIDDEN CHAMPIONS” ON: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3J1vBOZpMrnhcFAltSyxtp - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1870046273 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FISparasnowsports - RSS-Feed: https://fis-hidden-champions.podigee.io/feed/mp3 🤳🏼 FOLLOW US: - Para Snowsports account: https://www.instagram.com/parasnowsports/ - Dani Aravich: https://www.instagram.com/theonearmdan Hidden Champions is a FIS original production by FIS - International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Ebba Årsjö: Embracing Paralympic Pride on the Alpine Slopes

    Ebba Årsjö is one of the brightest stars in para alpine skiing, and in this episode of Hidden Champions, we get to know the story behind the medals. Host Dani Aravich sits down with Ebba Årsjö to explore her journey from learning to ski at age six to becoming a three-time medalist on the world’s biggest stage in Beijing. Together, they candidly discuss what it took for Ebba Årsjö to transition from able-bodied competitions to the world of parasport, the emotional challenges of embracing her identity as a para athlete, and how she’s turned adversity into empowerment. Ebba opens up about the demanding life of a professional skier, balancing different alpine disciplines, and finding new motivation ahead of the Milan Paralympics - all while advocating for the visibility and inclusion of athletes with disabilities. Tune in to hear how Ebba Årsjö is redefining athleticism, pursuing gold, and inspiring the next generation to believe in what’s possible, no matter the obstacles. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE TO “HIDDEN CHAMPIONS” ON: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3J1vBOZpMrnhcFAltSyxtp - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1870046273 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FISparasnowsports - RSS-Feed: https://fis-hidden-champions.podigee.io/feed/mp3 🤳🏼 FOLLOW US: - Para Snowsports account: https://www.instagram.com/parasnowsports/ - Dani Aravich: https://www.instagram.com/theonearmdan - Ebba Årsjö: https://www.instagram.com/ebbaarsjo Hidden Champions is a FIS original production by FIS - International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.

    25 min
  2. FEB 2

    Tyler Turner: Forged in the Cold

    Tyler Turner is a Canadian Paralympic snowboard champion and one of the biggest and baddest competitors in the para snowboard scene. In this episode, you will learn about his remarkable journey from a life-changing skydiving accident to the top of the podium. Tyler opens up about his road to the Paralympics, what it's like to race on some of the most challenging courses in the world, and how cutting-edge prosthetic technology has revolutionized para snowboarding. You’ll also hear about the tight-knit, competitive, and distinctly “Canadian” culture of Team Canada, the nuances of para snowboard competition and classification, and the growing excitement around the sport as we approach the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride as we discover why Tyler Turner is one of the best athletes you’ve never heard of (until now). 🎧 SUBSCRIBE TO “HIDDEN CHAMPIONS” ON: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3J1vBOZpMrnhcFAltSyxtp - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1870046273 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FISparasnowsports - RSS-Feed: https://fis-hidden-champions.podigee.io/feed/mp3 🤳🏼 FOLLOW US: - Para Snowsports account: https://www.instagram.com/parasnowsports/ - Dani Aravich: https://www.instagram.com/theonearmdan - Tyler Turner: https://www.instagram.com/tyturner14 Hidden Champions is a FIS original production by FIS - International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.

    42 min
  3. JAN 26

    Zebastian Modin: The LeBron James of Para Cross-Country?

    Zebastian Modin is one of the most decorated visually impaired cross-country skiers on the planet. As a four-time (soon-to-be five-time!) Paralympian and eight-time medalist, Zebastian Modin shares his inspiring journey—from discovering his love for endurance sports to rising to the top of his sport. Hosted by Dani Aravich, this episode dives into how para sports are evolving, the unique challenges of competitive classification, and what it really takes to train (and trust) a guide on the snow. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to para sports, this episode offers a revealing look at the heart, dedication, and ever-growing level of competition shaping the run-up to the Milan Paralympic Games. Don’t miss this deep-dive into the remarkable career and mindset of Zebastian Modin - the “LeBron James” of visually impaired Nordic skiing. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE TO “HIDDEN CHAMPIONS” ON: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3J1vBOZpMrnhcFAltSyxtp - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1870046273 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FISparasnowsports - RSS-Feed: https://fis-hidden-champions.podigee.io/feed/mp3 🤳🏼 FOLLOW US: - Para Snowsports account: https://www.instagram.com/parasnowsports/ - Dani Aravich: https://www.instagram.com/theonearmdan - Zebastian Modin: https://www.instagram.com/zebastianmodin Hidden Champions is a FIS original production by FIS - International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.

    31 min
  4. JAN 19

    Adam Hall: New Zealand's Skiing Legend

    In the first ever episode of "Hidden Champions", host Dani Aravich sits down with Adam Hall, a five-time Paralympian from New Zealand whose stellar career spans over two decades and countless podiums, including medals at three Paralympic Games and a coveted crystal globe. As Adam shares his experiences, you'll hear about the sacrifices and relentless dedication required to compete at the highest level, including time spent away from his family and the unique challenges para athletes face, both on and off the snow. From his early days transitioning from snowboarding to skiing, to the intricacies of classification and the factor system in para sports, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to be a world-class athlete in the para alpine community. You'll also get an intimate glimpse into Adam Hall’s support system, with a heartfelt message from his wife, Elitsa Hall - a Paralympian herself - and reflections on the evolving respect for para athletes across the globe. Whether you’re a winter sport fanatic or new to the world of Paralympic skiing, this conversation is sure to inspire and deepen your appreciation for the resilience and talent that defines the para alpine racing world. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE TO “HIDDEN CHAMPIONS” ON: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3J1vBOZpMrnhcFAltSyxtp - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1870046273 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FISparasnowsports - RSS-Feed: https://fis-hidden-champions.podigee.io/feed/mp3 🤳🏼 FOLLOW US: - Para Snowsports account: https://www.instagram.com/parasnowsports/ - Dani Aravich: https://www.instagram.com/theonearmdan - Adam Hall: https://www.instagram.com/kiwiskiracer Hidden Champions is a FIS original production by FIS - International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.

    45 min

About

Hosted by 2x Paralympian Dani Aravich, this podcast features the world’s top para alpine, snowboard, and cross-country skiers, diving into what makes them the best, their journeys to Milano Cortina 2026, and how para sports actually work. Tune in for real stories and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t hear anywhere else. New episodes drop weekly now through March 6, available wherever you get your podcasts. 🎧 SUBSCRIBE TO “HIDDEN CHAMPIONS” ON: - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3J1vBOZpMrnhcFAltSyxtp - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1870046273 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FISparasnowsports - RSS-Feed: https://fis-hidden-champions.podigee.io/feed/mp3 🤳🏼 FOLLOW US: - Para Snowsports account: https://www.instagram.com/parasnowsports/ - Dani Aravich: https://www.instagram.com/theonearmdan Hidden Champions is a FIS original production by FIS - International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.