Sarah Burke would light up a room when she walked into it. Actually more than that, she lit up an entire sport, and was bound to light up the world in the forthcoming Olympics, before she succumbed to spine injuries sustained while training in Park City on January 10. She passed away yesterday. The world lost an amazing skier and a superstar human being.
I had the amazing opportunity to know and work with Sarah over the course of a decade. During that time I, along with so many others, had the insanely good fortune to watch her change the face of women’s skiing and simultaneously watch her inspire all those around her. The image gallery above is the tip of an iceberg of images I was able to capture of/with Sarah. This tribute isn’t her best work, or mine. It isn’t meant to be. It’s rather a humble historical look back – in some cases looking back more than 10 years – at her first Freeskier skiing cover, her first Smith Goggle ad, her practicing runs at the X-Games, and that amazing smile. Working with her was pure joy. And she will be missed dearly. RIP.
My manager, Christopher Jerard, knew her even better than I did, as he was the publisher of Freeskier and Snowboard Magazine for many years before coming to work at CJinc. Jerard and I got the news of her passing while we were together yesterday. He wrote these words below about Sarah that I think we can all live by. The theme is ‘step up’. Step up to the challenges in your life. Step up for your friends, step up because it’s human to do so….
For my friend Sarah Burke – January 19, 2012
“Step up.”
I met Sarah when she was 16 years old shortly after I joined the staff of the brand new Freeskier magazine. She was already the “it” girl in freeskiing. Actually, in 1999 she was really the only girl in freeskiing. She was incredibly talented and fearless. And there was always that ever-present smile. She was shy early on -but before you knew it she was giving the editors at our magazine shots in the arm, still with that same great smile, and challenging us to get the shot, ski another run, or just have more fun. Her passion for skiing was evidenced by her athletic success – and her passion for life came through like the sun. She was a light for all of us. Just one of those people that is universally loved. For all of those who knew her only through the movies and photos – she was exactly as she seemed. Simply one of the best people you’ll ever meet. Pure love.
It’s impossible to deny, that by the time she was 20, she went from being a cute kid, to being simply drop-dead gorgeous. Suddenly she graduated from profiles in the ski industry standards Freeskier and Powder to being in Maxim, People and one FHM’s sexiest athletes alive. But she played it all off as no big deal with a humbleness rarely found at her level of success – an elegance and grace that was unique to her. And yet, even with all the beauty and the elegance, she was one of the toughest people Ive ever met. She once put me in a head lock. And I am not ashamed to admit I could not break out of it. And I tried. Hard. I think that memory would make her smile.
She could play with the boys. That is for sure. She had to for a lot of years in order to open up the sport for the women behind her. Her will and determination on and off the hill in this regard are legendary. Sarah was an innovator and a leader for women in skiing. Even as Sarah was an inspiration to so many people – but she was especially important for women athletes. She did more for the progression of woman’s freeskiing than any other single person – period. She was a founder of the Association of Freeskiing Professionals and was instrumental in helping to push the disciplines of skiing she loved, halfpipe and slopestyle skiing, into the Olympics for 2014. That will be a lasting part of her legacy forever.
She pushed her sport, her profession, to the next level. And even as she had to fight for women to be considered in competition with the men, when she took her hits, she always smiled through the bruise and the bang. Both on and off the hill. In 14 years of working with Sarah – I never saw her without a smile and a good word. Not once. Ever. No matter what. That smile on the podium, holding the X Games Gold four times? That was the same smile she would give 2 months later if you ran into her on the street in passing. So radiantly genuine.
Sarah will always be around us.Trennon Paynter, her coach and good friend to both Sarah and her husband Rory, sent a message out on twitter yesterday: “She’s in every snowflake, every ray of sunshine, every breeze. More than ever, now and always, #IBelieveInSarah.” She will always be there to remind us to “step up” and be better. No matter if it’s out skiing, at work, at the gym or remembering to smile and give your friend a hug. Do not hold back. Life is simply to precious and too much of a gift. Step up. Its such a powerful idea.
It was a dear friend of mine, Matt Harvey, the longtime Editor of Freeskier magazine, who reminded me of this playful challenge to step up that Sarah so often conveyed to her fans and those around her – with such obvious joy.
The news of Sarah’s passing hit in the middle of the work day and Matt was onstage hosting a Freeskier magazine sponsored event. He was a very close and personal friend of Sarah’s. To be in public and hurting, gutted with loss, was painful. But he remembered her words, “Step up.” She would tell him this, no matter if she was standing next to him on the hill taunting him to try a jump or rail slide or pushing him to go talk to the girl across the bar later that night – she was always nudging those around her to be better. And she led by example. So when it hurt and he wanted to hide – he smiled and remembered Sarah. He dug deep and stepped up. That’s what Sarah did when organizers told her that girls didn’t have a spot in competition and that’s what she did when she was battered from falls and that’s what she did when there was a line of little girls who wanted an autograph…hours after the last competition run of the day.
Sarah always stepped up. Always.And that’s what we’re going to do to remember her. Step Up. Thanks Sarah. We will. And we’ll remember you’re smile when we do.
_____
UPDATE: Was just sent this beautiful video montage of Sarah being amazing. Worth the watch.
A Sarah Burke tribute video. from Downtofilm. on Vimeo.
Very sad story! I’m really sorry for her husband, kid and parents. I found this awesome video tribute to Sarah today: http://vimeo.com/35364829
Great tribute Chris and Chase. The streets of Squamish and the World are a little bit greyer today without her smile, but her legacy will live on. “Step Up” would be a great name for some sort of charity or campaign in her honour, but is also something we can keep tucked away in the back of our brains for those moments when we feel too chicken to do something important or scary. Life is short – step up! The outpouring of love and thoughts and media coverage for Sarah from all over the world – and far beyond the ski industry – shows just how bright her flame burned. She will be missed. Bluebird skies and endless powder forever, Sarah.
This is such a sad story and I really hope she’s at a place with that endless pow. I never met her, but she always seemed to spread happiness in all she does. My thoughts are with her family, too. Thanks for sharing this article. RIP Sarah.
Thanks for the touching tribute. Sarah is definitely being missed up here in her native Canada. Unfortunately, while her family struggles to deal with their loss and grief, they also have more than $500,000 in medical bills to worry about. If anyone would like to show their support, a donation can be made to help cover the expenses here: http://www2.giveforward.com/sarahburke.html
Powerful message and inspiration. Thanks for sharing, Chase and Chris.
After reading this – I cried. Thank you Sarah for continuing to be an inspiration to all of us even after you’ve passed on. Rest In Peace.
I will never, ever forget to step up. Thank you so much for the kind & heartfelt words, Chase and Chris.
It is heartbreaking to watch the tribute video. What a vibrant person.
So tremendously sad and at the same time so inspiring. Step up everyone – there’s not a moment to loose.
“Step up” – what a positive and inspiring message for everyone. Beautiful tribute, Chase and Chris. RIP, Sarah.
Man, so sad. What I remember about her most only from watching her on tv, was her in increadable smile and magnetic personality. This is truely a profound loss to her sport, and to the world. I truly hope her family is ok.
RIP Sarah
What is with the hyper-sexualized cover photo? Honestly made me sad seeing it as the priority photo choice to represent her inspiring life. Her achievements are incredible, inspiring to both young and old. It is degrading for this influential woman to be summated in this manner don’t you think?
Your words of dedication are beautiful and appreciated Chase and Chris, I just wish the featured photo was one that represented her life’s achievements rather than T&A.
I have to agree. I have been a fan of Sarah’s for a while and it is always and will continue to be disturbing to see sexualized portrayals of women in sports. As a culture, we seem to only accept and legitimize women as athletes through their sexuality rather than by thier talent and accomplishments.
I greatly appreciate this tribute to her life and work, but it is upsetting that even in a tribute, it is her sexauality that is given graphical dominance. What does this say to other young, aspiring female athletes who hold up Sarah as a role model?
Really amazing tribute – Canada and the world mourns the loss of Sarah … such a talent and loved by so many
Canada lost her angel…..
What a shock. Carol and I don’t really follow winter sports, but we followed Sarah. A real tragedy.
Sarah’s publicist has just release this information regarding her medical bills through the Canadian Freestyle Ski Association:
“This statement is to clarify inaccurate information reported in the press regarding expenses related to Sarah Burke’s hospitalization and care.
The Burke family has not yet received a hospital bill from the University of Utah. Based on early estimates, total charges for Sarah’s care are expected to be approximately $200,000. Once charges are finalized, the University will work with Health Canada to determine what type of coverage may be available and what their contribution will be, as Sarah is a Canadian citizen.
The family continues to be extremely grateful for the outpouring of support and messages honoring Sarah and the generous contributions that have been made via http://www2.giveforward.com/sarahburke.html and http://www.wepay.com/donations/sarah-burke. Because of the donations in the last day, it is now clear that Sarah’s family will not have any financial burden related to her care. Further contributions will be used to establish a foundation to honor Sarah’s legacy and promote the ideals she valued and embodied.”
The entire press release is here: http://freestyleski.com/wp/2012/01/clarification-from-sarah-burkes-publicist-regarding-medical-expenses/
Thanks for posting Andrew.
What an incredible tribute to an incredible woman. Seriously moved by this Chase.
Don’t know what else to say…I’m stumped!
Regards,
Glyn
RIP Sarah.
she lived a life worth living for, she did what she loved and loved what she did. sometimes it ends much quicker than one hopes but knowing that she had a great live i think helps.
x-treme sports are called x-treme as they are dangerous and there is a risk, even for the best. i hear the shocking news that BASE jumper jeb corliss nearly had a fatal accident this week and even though you know it could happen any time they participate in the sport it is always a shock.
but i think her words are a message to all… step up, do what you love and you will do it well… you never know what will happen tomorrow
moritz
Honestly, before today I had never heard of Sarah Burke. I wish I had. Even though I never had the opportunity to meet Sarah, her words, “step up” have touched me in the few short minutes I have been reading about her. Even in death, she has touched the heart of a stranger.
Such a sad loss not only to the world of skiing but to the world in general. My prayers go out to her husband and kids, her family and to those of you who Sarah’s life so lovingly touched. May God bless your relationships with others in the same way He blessed you with your relationship with Sarah.
Wonderful words Chase for a wonderful talent taken all too soon.
Live life, love life and “step up.”
Ski in peace.
What a sad story, I can’t even begin to realize how awful the family must feel!!
Graceful words Chris!
My deepest condolences to her family. A great loss in the sports world
Is it really so sad that Sarah died doing what she loved? Her death is very sad and the quote from Christopher saying, “She was incredibly talented and fearless.,” reminds of my favourite athlete who also died doing what he loved, the Late, Great Ayrton Senna, once said, http://bit.ly/19qzNs “If you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver…” Aryton had many great quotes, http://bit.ly/yPfrKp but “going for it” is what makes the best, THE BEST!!!
I’m sure that Sarah lived with death or the thought of death, more than anyone will ever know. Much like Aryton, she cheated death so many times that she may have known that it was inevitable, yet she continued to live on the edge of it and thrive! God bless Sarah and all of the fearless athletes that don’t know of any other way to perform, except to go for it!
I hadn’t heard of her before, but reading this and watching the video on vimeo, she seems to have been a great woman. A very good spirit and a lot of talent. That’s a beautiful combination.
May she rest in peace.
Wow, I’m completely chocked up, a beautiful woman in all aspects, an incredible tribute and memory of her. The love, the impact and importance of life through such a tragedy is something to hold onto for life. I’m touched and inspired, to never lose sight of how beautiful the people and this life we have actually is. My sincere sympathies to her husband, family and those that knew her personally, Thank you for sharing this touching tribute to Sarah.
Don’t follow skiing so never really heard of her but that is an inspirational tribute. RIP and Thankyou.
Im going snowboarding this month and I just want to say Sarah has been an insperation no matter what anyone says. I just want to she was and will remain an amazing person all I have to say is I believe ! Thanks Sarah
We love you Sarah. We miss you a lot!!
RIP! Please join Sarah’s online memorial and contribute with a memory http://www.memmento.com/Memorial-at-Memmento/581/Sarah-Burke <3
So sad, she’s so inspiring…