Racer Spotlight—The Bravest Moments We’ve Seen This Season (So Far)

There’s a moment at every VC event—sometimes quick, sometimes quiet—where someone becomes braver than they thought possible.

It’s rarely dramatic.
Often it’s small: a breath, a nod, a whispered “okay… here I go.”

This season, we’ve already seen dozens of those moments. Here are a few.

The Little Racer at Bolton Valley Who Almost Didn’t Start

He stood in a bright green and orange jacket, poles shaking in mittened fists. His dad leaned close, whispering calm encouragement. A crew member knelt beside her, offering patience and presence.

Two nods.
One deep breath.
He pushed off.

Slow, steady, brave.

By afternoon, he’d done the course three times—smiling each time he reached the finish.

The Brothers at Bromley Who Cheered for Everyone

Their energy was instant and contagious. They stood at the finish line shouting compliments at every racer:

“Great turn!”
“You’re awesome!”
“You DID IT!”

Soon, parents joined in. Then other kids. Their cheer squad doubled the joy of the entire village.

The Friends at Tenney Who Tried Something New

He came to ski and ended up giving the race a shot.
But after cheering his friend through a finish-line moment full of pride, he quietly asked:

“… Can adults do this too?”

Minutes later, he had a bib.
Minutes after that, laughing down the course.
Minutes after that, hugged tightly by the proudest cheering squad in New England.

Another Tenney First-Timer Who Made the Crew Clap

She was nervous. Very nervous. The kind of nervous that lifts a child’s shoulders toward their ears.

When she pushed off—slowly—something beautiful happened:

The entire crew began to clap.
Softly.
Steadily.
Warmly.

She snowboarded into the finish corral with a face full of relief and pride.

These Are the Stories That Make a Season

Not speed.
Not medals.
Not rankings.

Bravery.
Kindness.
Connection.
Celebration.

These are the moments we’ll remember—and the ones still waiting to unfold.

Have a bravery moment from a VC event? Share it with us—your story could inspire another family.