Well into her 12th year on the U.S. national team, Rosie Brennan continues to be one of the most consistent and versatile athletes on the World Cup circuit.

A two-time Olympian and four-time U.S. champion, Brennan has made a name for herself not just as a medal contender but also as a leader and mentor.

A Challenging Season and Adjustments for Trondheim

This season has been anything but smooth for Brennan, but that hasn’t stopped her from preparing diligently for the 2025 FIS World Championships in Trondheim, Norway. “This year has had its challenges, so my season has been far from ideal and my lead-up to WSC has looked quite a bit different than originally planned,” Brennan admitted. Rather than following her usual race-heavy schedule, she spent time at home in Alaska training and making adjustments in the hope of arriving in Trondheim in the best shape possible.

Despite the setbacks, Brennan remains optimistic. Her approach to major championships has evolved over the years, recognizing that success is not always measured by medals alone. “I love WSC. Some of my fondest memories with our team and racing come from WSC. To me, it’s no different than the Olympics—everyone shows up on their A-game and wants to win,” she said. “I, of course, try to do this as well, but for sure success is about more than the medals, especially this year.”

A Season of Growth for Team USA

Brennan has long been a staple of the U.S. team, and while she hasn’t been with the squad since leaving the Tour de Ski, she’s been encouraged by the progress of her teammates. “We have certainly had some young athletes show some great racing. That is always encouraging that we are headed in a good direction,” she said. “It helps me lift my own game and stay on my toes and also gives me a lot of pride in helping them navigate the World Cup and Championships.”

That balance between competing and mentoring is something Brennan thrives on. She’s known for her versatility, excelling in both sprint and distance events. “I really enjoy being competitive in as many events as possible,” she said. “I find that challenge one that keeps me pushing and looking for more all the time and continuing to find small areas to improve.”

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Navigating the End of the Season

With the World Championships being the pinnacle of the season, athletes must transition quickly to finish the year strong. Brennan, however, sees an opportunity in those final few races. “WSC is very late this year, so we only have to hang on for two weekends after that, which I think is very doable,” she said. “It can be challenging when we are so close to being able to go home, yet we still need to hold some focus. I try to see it as an opportunity to race with a little less pressure maybe take chances I wasn’t willing to earlier or try some new things out.”

Giving Back and Strengthening the Ski Community

Beyond competition, Brennan is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of athletes. She volunteers with programs like Fast and Female, which empowers young women through sports. Brennan also volunteers for Skiku, which provides Nordic ski instruction to communities across Alaska. For her, giving back is both a responsibility and a way to express gratitude.

“In the U.S., community support is imperative to any activity but especially ones that aren’t as mainstream,” Brennan explained. “The community around me supports me in immense ways, and for that, I am eternally grateful. Whatever I can do to give back to that community and to help inspire and lift up others is very important to keep the community strong and thriving and is also my best way to show gratitude for those that have helped and continue to help me.”

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