Born: 1951 (Claremont, New Hampshire)
Biography:
Barbara Ann Cochran (born January 4, 1951) is a former World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist from the United States. Born in Claremont, New Hampshire, Cochran was the second of four siblings of the famous Skiing Cochrans family of Richmond, Vermont. Since 1961, her family has operated a small ski area in their backyard, making them a well-known name in the skiing community.
Cochran’s father, Gordon Mickey Cochran, played a crucial role in shaping her skiing career as he was a longtime coach. He coached young talents at the Smuggler’s Notch Ski Club, the University of Vermont Ski Team, and the U.S. Ski Team. The Cochran family’s passion for skiing runs deep, with several generations of athletes making their mark on the U.S. Ski Team. Cochran’s three-time national champion sister Marilyn, herself, nine-time national champion brother Bob, and two-time national champion sister Lindy have all left a lasting impact. The family’s commitment to the sport can still be seen today in the younger generation, with Cochran’s niece Jessica Kelley and nephews Jimmy Cochran, Roger Brown, Tim Kelley, and Robby Kelley all following in their footsteps.
After retiring from competitions, Cochran pursued her education and graduated from college in Vermont. She then married Ron Williams and ventured into writing, publishing her book Skiing for Women. Cochran’s book shared her expertise and guidance with female skiers, empowering them to excel in the male-dominated sport. Her passion for writing took her to The Washington Post, where she became a writer, further expanding her influence on a wider audience.
In addition to her writing pursuits, Cochran embarked on a new endeavor by establishing her own business, Golden Opportunities in Sports, Business, and Life. Through her business, she empowers individuals to navigate the pressures of competition, work, academics, and any other obstacles that life throws at them. Cochran’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to helping others reflects her unwavering determination and resilience.
Cochran’s remarkable career and contributions to skiing were recognized when she was inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame in 1976. Her sister Marilyn joined her in this prestigious honor in 1978, and her brother Bob followed suit in 2010. The impact of Cochran’s accomplishments goes beyond her sporting achievements, as she became a role model for aspiring female athletes.
In 1979, Cochran’s influence was once again acknowledged as she was featured in the Supersisters trading card set. This set highlighted exceptional women in various fields, including sports, to inspire young girls and show them the breadth of possibilities available to them.
In 2013, Cochran’s contributions to Vermont’s sports scene were recognized when she was inducted into the newly established Vermont Sports Hall of Fame. This honor solidified her status as a pioneer in the skiing world and a symbol of perseverance and success.
Barbara Cochran’s journey is not just about her personal achievements but also about the lasting impact she has had on the skiing community and women’s athletics. Her dedication to her sport, her family, and her advocacy for women is a testament to her pioneering spirit and determination. Cochran continues to inspire and empower others through her writing, her business ventures, and her unwavering passion for helping people overcome life’s obstacles.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medalist
– Inducted into the National Ski Hall of Fame (1976)
– Featured in the Supersisters trading card set (1979)
– Inducted into the Vermont Sports Hall of Fame (2013)