While growing up in Palmer, Andrew dreamed of one day representing his country on the wrestling mat and won multiple state wrestling titles. But at age 13 in 2005, Andrew became partially paralyzed in his legs after an ATV accident. Two years later, while representing the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Andrew was introduced to the Challenge Alaska program and fell in… Read more »
Search Results for: Andrew Kurka
Kurka wins 5th career World Cup medal in Super-G sitting race
Palmer’s Andrew Kurka claimed another medal in his specialty event at the World Cup in Veysonnaz, Switzerland. The 27-year-old won bronze with a third-place finish in the Super-G sitting race at the World Para Alpine Skiing event, pocketing his fifth career medal in the Super-G since 2016. Kurka, of Colony High fame, finished behind a… Read more »
Kurka double medals in downhill at Para-Alpine World Cup
Para-alpine skier Andrew Kurka of Palmer proved he’s still got it. The 24-year-old picked up a pair of medals and beat a world champion in the first World Cup downhill races of the season in Austria. Kurka, of Colony High fame, placed second to New Zealand’s world champion Corey Peters in the first men’s sitting… Read more »
Kurka returns from Nationals with pocket full of medals
Palmer’s Andrew Kurka was having an epic time at the U.S. Adaptive Alpine Nationals in Aspen, Colorado, until the final day. That’s when things went to another level. Kurka, of Colony High fame, capped the greatest race series of his ski career with a gold medal in the super-G, beating reigning world champion Corey Peters… Read more »
Kurka wants to gear down but not necessarily slow down
He’s only 23, but Andrew Kurka of Palmer has put his body through hell. Three times he has broken his back, most recently during a training run for the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia. His go-for-broke mentality on the ski slopes has paid dividends, yet he’s paid the price as Kurka is yet to… Read more »
Kurka snags super-G, slalom silver medals at NorAm in Canada
US Ski Team member Andrew Kurka of Palmer picked up a couple silver medals at the North American Cup adaptive alpine races in Panorama, Canada. He finished second to Japan’s Taiki Morri in both men’s sit-down Super-G and slalom races. “I have a new mono ski I have been on this season. I am still… Read more »
Kurka ready to ‘go for it’ in Alaska Challenge handcycle race
The Alaska Challenge, the longest, toughest handcycle race in the world, turns 27 next week. Palmer’s Andrew Kurka is only 23, but he is very familiar with one of the state’s most cherished sporting events. These guys are to handcycling what mushers are to the Iditarod, drivers to the Iron Dog and runners to Mount… Read more »
Kurka wins bronze medal at world championships in Canada
Paralympian Andrew Kurka of Palmer took home a bronze medal in the super-G sitting competition at the IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships in Canada. He finished just .91 seconds behind winner Corey Peters of New Zealand and .12 seconds behind France’s Frederic Francois in second. His podium finish comes a little more than three months… Read more »
Injured champ Kurka to be part of ESPN crew at X Games
He won’t be on the mountain, but Andrew Kurka of Palmer will be on your TV. The injured U.S. Paralympic Alpine Team skier told me he will be part of the ESPN broadcast team that will be announcing live at the X Games next month in Colorado. “I am very excited to be announcing at… Read more »
Paralympian Kurka back from injury, eager to hit slopes
Battered and bruised, but not broken, Andrew Kurka of Palmer hasn’t dwelled on the disappointment of his early exit from the Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia. He’s too busy having fun. “I feel great. Been staying very busy and spending as much time home as possible. That really helps me with the psychological portion of… Read more »