[credit]Linda Lehmann[/credit]
Name: Nick Goepper
Where You’ve Seen Him: American Freeskier Nick Goepper flipped, tricked and dazzled his way into our hearts when he took home the bronze medal at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia in the slopestyle event. If you don’t follow skiing, it would seem like this 19-year-old sporty stud came flying through the the air out of no where, but he’s been hunky and charming all along. Besides being an Olympic medalist, Nick also won 2 gold medals at the Winter X-Games in Aspen, Colorado (2 years in a row!). Swoon!
Why He’s Crush-worthy: As both an adorable athlete and smoldering sweetheart, it’s safe to say that Nick wins our gold medal in crush-worthiness. He’s been working on his dream of professional skiing since he was only 5 years old, and he can’t wait to share his inspirational story with you. Plus, he’s so incredibly hot, we just can’t figure out why he doesn’t melt the snow every time he skis!
We snagged an exclusive interview with the heartthrob after he got back from dominating in Sochi. We talk dreams, music, and how YOU can win a date with Nick! Ready to fall in love?
BOP&TB: Hey Nick! First of all, congrats on the medal from Sochi! Are you wearing it everywhere you go?
Nick Goepper: Thank you! My medal hasn’t left my pocket for ten days and I’m not going to lie, when I get home, I’m going to give it to my mom and say, “Mom, please hold on to this for me because I’m probably going to lose it!”
BOP&TB: What was going through your mind when you realized you had won an Olympic medal?
Nick Goepper:Â When they played the National Anthem and rose the three flags for all the Americans, the reaction from the crowd was so much more passionate than any other event, and that made me tear up a bit. I felt like I had a connection with the people in the crowd, my family and my country. I felt like I had inspired a lot of people.
BOP&TB: That’s awesome! Let’s back up a bit. You grew up in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and started skiing at only 5 years old!
Nick Goepper: It’s ironic, but when I first got on skis, I hated it! My mom convinced me to keep going to lessons and eventually, I learned how to turn and jump off of stuff. I started doing rails and going off jumps and that’s what got me hooked! I did my first back flip when I was 11 years old and that knocked over the first domino and really got me motivated to go out and try new tricks.
BOP&TB: What were some of your hardships when starting out your skiing career?
Nick Goepper: When I was just getting started with skiing, my parents were out of work for a couple years, so I had to take the initiative to buy my ski pass so I could practice. One school year, I bought candy in bulk at the store and sold them to my friends for a dollar a piece on the school bus. I guess I hustled chocolate, if you will.
BOP&TB: Wow, hustling chocolate to get a ski pass! That’s great. And what about your first competition — how did that go?
Nick Goepper: I did my first Big Air competition when I was 11 years old, and I got 46th place… out of 47! I was definitely bumming, but it only motivated me to learn new tricks and get better. The only thing stopping me was myself — not my coach or rules or anything else.
BOP&TB: Now that you’ve made your way to the top, do you still get nervous before you compete?
Nick Goepper: Definitely! If you don’t get nervous, then something is wrong with you. Before I compete, I clap my hands together a couple times and trust myself to do what I know how to do.
BOP&TB: What kind of music do you listen to when you ski?
Nick Goepper: It varies all the time, but currently I’ve got a little bit of Miley Cyrus, Rick Ross and some Eminem. It’s all up and down.
BOP&TB:Â Wow, your music selection is all over the place! So tell me about your “#IWantToDateNick” contest that ends this week.
Nick Goepper: After the Olympics, my Instagram and Twitter accounts were totally blowing up from a ton of people and particularly, a lot of girls! I came up with an idea and decided to have fun with it. After the Olympics were over, I would pick a girl to go on a date with me in New York City! She just had to post a creative video or pic enter the contest. Then, when I went on The Today Show, they started the hashtag, “#IWantToDateNick†and it blew up on Twitter and Instagram! The responses I’ve been getting from these girls have been amazing. They’re putting a lot of effort into the contest and really trying to get my attention, so whoever does get the date is going to have the time of her life, for sure.
BOP&TB: That’s SO cute! Have any plans what you’ll do on the date with the lucky winner?
Nick Goepper: I’m not totally sure yet! I think we’ll pick a spot (probably New York City) and go to a sporting event or Broadway play. Then, I’ll take her to a wicked nice dinner! I want to get to the girl and just make it the time of her life.
BOP&TB: Sounds adorable. Are you excited or nervous?
Nick Goepper: Oh I’m stoked. I can’t wait.
BOP&TB: When you’re not skiing or taking girls on perfect dates, what do you do on your days off?
Nick Goepper: I’ll go to a movie or goof off with my friends. One time, my friends and I went to Walmart and bought Nerf bow-and-arrows. We went in this gym and moved all the workout equipment to make bunkers and had a giant war!
BOP&TB: OMG, how fun! So at only 19 years old, you’re such an inspiration and keep saying you can’t wait to share your story with the world. What do you believe your story is?
Nick Goepper: It’s the American dream. I started out in Indiana where I didn’t have a lot of opportunities. I worked my way up even though people kept saying it wasn’t possible. I felt that my whole life, and then I finally made a break by making use of every opportunity I got to get to where I am today.
BOP&TB: What advice do you have for anyone hoping to achieve their dreams, just like you are?
Nick Goepper: Don’t take no for answer. You have the chance to do anything you want, and make sure to meet all the pretty girls along the way!
OMG — total hottie alert! What do you think of Nick? Are you already crushing?! Tell us below in the comments or on Twitter.
