Gus Schumacher has been making history. The Alaskan skier has been a rising force on the World Cup circuit, but in 2024 he took it to another level.

In front of a roaring home crowd in Minneapolis, Schumacher secured his first-ever World Cup victory—an unforgettable milestone that made him the youngest American man to do so and the first to win in more than four decades. Most recently, in Falun, Sweden, he delivered another standout performance, taking second in the 20k skate on the same day that Jessie Diggins claimed gold, marking yet another landmark result for U.S. cross-country skiing.

With the World Championships around the corner, Schumacher made time for an exclusive interview with Proxcskiing.com to talk about his form, team energy, and what will make these championships a success.

“Feeling solid about my prep!” he says. “It’s definitely the best racing I’ve had before a championship. Last year was my real big step-up in performance, and I think I’ve been carrying that into this year. Just with maybe a little less luck since the Tour. But I feel confident—fitness feels good, and my health and training have been getting better and better since that tour sickness.”

A Team on the Rise

This season, the U.S. squad has been making waves, and Schumacher draws inspiration from his teammates’ successes.

“Yeah, it’s super cool to have lots of people racing well. It makes me want to be a part of it and gives a lot of pride when you’re the best on the team on a given day. Especially great to see JC [James Clinton Schoonmaker] really coming into form after a tough summer and fall of training, and Ben [Ogden] breaking through in some distance skating!”

Read more: US cross-country ski team for the Trondheim World Championships 2025 

Defining Success Beyond Results

While results matter, Schumacher isn’t only focused on results—there are other factors that will make this championship a success for him.

“Honestly, for me, not getting sick would be a huge success,” he admits. “I feel like I’m still in a period of life or whatever where I’m somewhat sensitive to colds, and it always feels hard to get quickly back to form. So just going to make sure I’m rested and being careful in public.”

Managing the post-championship period is always a balance, but for Schumacher, it’s a time to reset and enjoy the sport.

“I always feel like the period after a championship is nice. It’s a bit of a decompression, and the spring vibes on the World Cup are always fun. People tend to open up and just be more relaxed in general. It’s a little harder if the championships don’t really go your way, but I think no matter what, it’s a good time to enjoy racing for racing and just being in the moment.”

With the biggest event of the season beginning this week, Schumacher is channeling his momentum into what could be another defining moment in his career and for US cross country skiing.

FACTS 2025 Nordic World Ski Championships

• When: Wednesday, February 26, to Sunday, March 9, 2025
• Who: Elite national skiers – women and men
• Where: Trondheim, Norway
• What: FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2025

Read More: Cross-country skiing program for the Trondheim World Championships