Brooke Greenberg’s Double Victory at the Youth Champs
September 6, 2025
Brooke Greenberg lives in Emigration Canyon, Utah, is 15 years old and is an athlete with the Park City Ski and Snowboard Club.
Brooke was recently a double victor in both the Vertical Kilometer and Skyrace (U16 Category) at the 2025 Youth Skyrunning World Championships.
We had a chance to catch up with Brooke after the races; her comments below.
This was your first appearance at The Youth Skyrunning Champs. Why did you decide to fly thousands of miles from home to come to this event?
“I decided to attend YSWC because it presented itself as an amazing opportunity in many ways. Going to YSWC not only meant I would get to race at an international and highly competitive level, but it also meant I would get to explore new places, culture, and meet new people who all share the same passion for running that I have. Overall with all of these factors it seemed like an exciting new adventure that I couldn’t pass up.”
You won your age group in the VK. What were some things that you were focusing on during the race, and what was your feeling when you realized that you’d won?
“During the VK, my focus was on staying mentally strong and embracing the pain. I knew it was going to be a tough race, both physically and mentally. One unique thing about the course was how visible the climb was—you could clearly see how far you had to go, which made it easy to get discouraged. I kept reminding myself to stay present and embrace the pain, because the pain is what makes racing so fun!
When I found out I had won, I was really excited! I had gone into the race trying to take pressure off myself and focus more on effort than results. So when I had learned I won I was both equally excited and grateful. “
In the SkyRace you won your age group again. What were some of your thoughts and feelings around the event, was it different than The VK? At the finish your feet were in a rough state and you were bonking- what was that experience like?
“Going into the SkyRace, I felt a little more relaxed and excited to race. I was looking forward to the longer race and was ready to fly on the downhills. During the race, it was a bit more stressful than the VK since you could see where your competitors were at all times, but that visibility also pushed me harder than I might’ve been able to push myself if I had been out there alone.
While I felt focused and mentally strong during this race physically it was pretty brutal for me. I’m sure we’ve all experienced this as runners but the whole downhill section it felt like I was standing on top of the sun as the blisters on my heels got bigger and bigger. I also ended up bonking pretty hard in this race to a degree that I never have before. I don't really remember the end of the race but I remember just trying to run as fast as I could, knowing there were some super fast girls right on my tail who crushed the downhills. By the time I had gotten to the finish I had fallen 3-4 times and ran into a tree and off trail because I had been so out of it. Once across the finish I was so dizzy I couldn’t stand by myself but once I had gotten some water and some food in my I was feeling great! “
You’re also a strong cross country skier. Compared to the XC ski world, what felt different to you about the skyrunning community?
“Honestly, the skyrunning and XC skiing communities felt very similar. Even though they’re different sports, both are filled with incredible athletes who are hardworking, disciplined, and have so much love for the sports. Everyone always gives it their all but also finds so much joy while they’re doing it. It’s really inspiring to be surrounded by so many amazing people and athletes, some of whom I’m lucky to consider my closest friends and greatest competition. “
Returning to Utah as a Double Victor at The Youth Skyrunning Champs- are any new challenges/goals in The US Coming into Focus- Some other races or Strava crowns to chase?
“Now that I’m back in Utah, my focus is shifting to training for the upcoming cross country and cross country ski seasons. I’ve set some big goals for both, so right now it’s all about consistent training. I’ll still be doing a few trail races, like the Alta Cirque Series, but the main focus is getting ready for what's ahead.”
Brooke, surging for the line in Vertical Kilometer- Embracing both the pain, and ’fun’ appartently…
