"I have never been a part of a more systematic, professional and fun-loving workout environment.  After nearly losing my leg in a severe ski crash in 2005 and undergoing seven surgeries, the P3 program has helped me make a full recovery and return to World Cup Skiing once again!”

Bryon Friedman
World Cup Downhiller

Chris Valaika
Cincinnati Reds Organization

History

In 2004, Bryon notched his third World Cup top-10 finish and captured the downhill and combined titles at the U.S. Alpine Championships. In January 2005, on the way to qualifying for his first Olympics, Bryon suffered a tibia/fibula fracture of his lower right leg during World Cup downhill training in Chamonix, France. Seven surgeries later, he still wanted to make a run at the 2010 Olympics. While undergoing physical therapy in Santa Barbara, Bryon discovered P3 and began training.

Training

With the major injuries mentioned above and the aggressive speeds of downhill skiing, we initially made stability/strength a priority in Bryon’s training. When his lower leg began to adapt to these exercises, we introduced an increasing level of plyometrics, specifically single-leg lateral movements that simulate the steep angles his lower body encounters on the mountain.

Results

Bryon has made considerable improvement in his ability to absorb and generate force into the ground, a key requirement for the in the high impact and speeds encountered in downhill skiing. He easily jumps on and off large boxes, performs heavy Olympic lifts without pain, and sets the standard for our single-leg lateral plyometrics. Bryon has returned to the mountains with his sites firmly set on 2010; already participating in 3 preseason camps in Mammoth, New Zealand, and Chile.