Zak Keefer
@zakkeefer.bsky.social
Senior writer at The Athletic, adjunct professor IU Media School
Can a silver medal mean more to an Olympian than a gold?
Alex Hall says yes. Let him explain why:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Alex Hall says yes. Let him explain why:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Alex Hall relinquishes Olympic freeski slopestyle title but silver makes him proud
Hall was the defending freeski slopestyle champion. He relinquished his title in northern Italy but still wore a smile afterwards
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Can a silver medal mean more to an Olympian than a gold?
Alex Hall says yes. Let him explain why:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Alex Hall says yes. Let him explain why:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
She was one of our first female star athletes to grow up in the social media era — she has the receipts to prove it.
At one point, she hated winning. After Beijing, she wasn't sure she'd be back.
On Chloe Kim, chasing history with a dislocated shoulder:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
At one point, she hated winning. After Beijing, she wasn't sure she'd be back.
On Chloe Kim, chasing history with a dislocated shoulder:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Chloe Kim: The stakes are high, but snowboard great is relaxed and confident
Kim is trying to become the first halfpipe snowboarder in Olympic history to win three consecutive gold medals.
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:21 PM
She was one of our first female star athletes to grow up in the social media era — she has the receipts to prove it.
At one point, she hated winning. After Beijing, she wasn't sure she'd be back.
On Chloe Kim, chasing history with a dislocated shoulder:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
At one point, she hated winning. After Beijing, she wasn't sure she'd be back.
On Chloe Kim, chasing history with a dislocated shoulder:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
One of America's most unique Olympians goes for back-to-back golds today.
"Maybe the most successful ski bum on the planet" spends his winters in a van with his buddies, filming tricks. He loves Google earth. He keeps his gold medal in a sock drawer.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
"Maybe the most successful ski bum on the planet" spends his winters in a van with his buddies, filming tricks. He loves Google earth. He keeps his gold medal in a sock drawer.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
How Alex Hall, U.S. freeski Olympic star, found happiness and success in letting go
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:57 AM
One of America's most unique Olympians goes for back-to-back golds today.
"Maybe the most successful ski bum on the planet" spends his winters in a van with his buddies, filming tricks. He loves Google earth. He keeps his gold medal in a sock drawer.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
"Maybe the most successful ski bum on the planet" spends his winters in a van with his buddies, filming tricks. He loves Google earth. He keeps his gold medal in a sock drawer.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Morning walk through Bormio 🇮🇹
February 10, 2026 at 10:54 AM
Morning walk through Bormio 🇮🇹
"It really runs contrary to everything the Olympics should be."
"We need to lead with love and compassion ... I'd love to see more of that."
Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu chime in on Donald Trump's criticisms of Hunter Hess.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
"We need to lead with love and compassion ... I'd love to see more of that."
Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu chime in on Donald Trump's criticisms of Hunter Hess.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Chloe Kim, Eileen Gu speak out after President Trump calls an Olympian ‘a loser’
Two of the biggest stars of these Olympics were asked for their thoughts on President Trump's comments on Hunter Hess.
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:46 AM
"It really runs contrary to everything the Olympics should be."
"We need to lead with love and compassion ... I'd love to see more of that."
Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu chime in on Donald Trump's criticisms of Hunter Hess.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
"We need to lead with love and compassion ... I'd love to see more of that."
Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu chime in on Donald Trump's criticisms of Hunter Hess.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
On Sunday, President Trump called US snowboarder Hunter Hess "a real Loser."
On Monday here in Livigno, snowboarding star Chloe —daughter to two immigrants — offered up her opinion on the matter:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
On Monday here in Livigno, snowboarding star Chloe —daughter to two immigrants — offered up her opinion on the matter:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Chloe Kim on President Trump’s criticism of Hunter Hess: ‘This one hits pretty close to home’
Kim and three of her Team USA snowboarding teammates were asked Monday about President Trump's comments on Hunter Hess.
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 1:15 PM
On Sunday, President Trump called US snowboarder Hunter Hess "a real Loser."
On Monday here in Livigno, snowboarding star Chloe —daughter to two immigrants — offered up her opinion on the matter:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
On Monday here in Livigno, snowboarding star Chloe —daughter to two immigrants — offered up her opinion on the matter:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
"That haunted me for nine years. I just decided ... 'F— living with regret. I'm doing this, even if it all blows up in my face.'"
She retired at 20, became a plumber, then nine years later gave her Olympic dream one last shot:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
She retired at 20, became a plumber, then nine years later gave her Olympic dream one last shot:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
How Maddy Schaffrick went from pro at 14 to plumber at 21 — and an Olympic medal threat at 31
Chasing snowboarding glory cost Maddy Schaffrick her adolescence. But years later, she rediscovered her joy for the sport.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 6:14 PM
"That haunted me for nine years. I just decided ... 'F— living with regret. I'm doing this, even if it all blows up in my face.'"
She retired at 20, became a plumber, then nine years later gave her Olympic dream one last shot:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
She retired at 20, became a plumber, then nine years later gave her Olympic dream one last shot:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
She won gold in 2022 — then felt empty, aimless and unmotivated.
She could hear an angel on one shoulder, the devil on another.
Mathilde Gremaud — who just qualed first in slopestyle skiing — peels back the curtain on the hidden side of Olympic success:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
She could hear an angel on one shoulder, the devil on another.
Mathilde Gremaud — who just qualed first in slopestyle skiing — peels back the curtain on the hidden side of Olympic success:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Mathilde Gremaud won Olympic gold and felt ’empty,’ but now she’s chasing history
Gremaud could become the first woman to win back-to-back slopestyle Olympic gold medals.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 6:13 PM
She won gold in 2022 — then felt empty, aimless and unmotivated.
She could hear an angel on one shoulder, the devil on another.
Mathilde Gremaud — who just qualed first in slopestyle skiing — peels back the curtain on the hidden side of Olympic success:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
She could hear an angel on one shoulder, the devil on another.
Mathilde Gremaud — who just qualed first in slopestyle skiing — peels back the curtain on the hidden side of Olympic success:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
"That haunted me for nine years. I just decided ... 'F— living with regret. I'm doing this, even if it all blows up in my face.'"
She retired at 20, became a plumber, then nine years later gave her Olympic dream one last shot: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
She retired at 20, became a plumber, then nine years later gave her Olympic dream one last shot: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
How Maddy Schaffrick went from pro at 14 to plumber at 21 — and an Olympic medal threat at 31
www.nytimes.com
February 6, 2026 at 1:10 PM
"That haunted me for nine years. I just decided ... 'F— living with regret. I'm doing this, even if it all blows up in my face.'"
She retired at 20, became a plumber, then nine years later gave her Olympic dream one last shot: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
She retired at 20, became a plumber, then nine years later gave her Olympic dream one last shot: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Reposted by Zak Keefer
She turned pro at 14.
She quit at 20, never wanting to touch a snowboard again.
She ended up in AA. She worked as a plumber.
Now — at age 31 — she’s chasing an Olympic medal in Italy. Maddy Schaffrick’s remarkable story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
She quit at 20, never wanting to touch a snowboard again.
She ended up in AA. She worked as a plumber.
Now — at age 31 — she’s chasing an Olympic medal in Italy. Maddy Schaffrick’s remarkable story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:55 PM
She turned pro at 14.
She quit at 20, never wanting to touch a snowboard again.
She ended up in AA. She worked as a plumber.
Now — at age 31 — she’s chasing an Olympic medal in Italy. Maddy Schaffrick’s remarkable story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
She quit at 20, never wanting to touch a snowboard again.
She ended up in AA. She worked as a plumber.
Now — at age 31 — she’s chasing an Olympic medal in Italy. Maddy Schaffrick’s remarkable story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
👋🏻 Greetings from Bormio, Italy
February 6, 2026 at 12:59 PM
👋🏻 Greetings from Bormio, Italy
She turned pro at 14.
She quit at 20, never wanting to touch a snowboard again.
She ended up in AA. She worked as a plumber.
Now — at age 31 — she’s chasing an Olympic medal in Italy. Maddy Schaffrick’s remarkable story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
She quit at 20, never wanting to touch a snowboard again.
She ended up in AA. She worked as a plumber.
Now — at age 31 — she’s chasing an Olympic medal in Italy. Maddy Schaffrick’s remarkable story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
www.nytimes.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:55 PM
She turned pro at 14.
She quit at 20, never wanting to touch a snowboard again.
She ended up in AA. She worked as a plumber.
Now — at age 31 — she’s chasing an Olympic medal in Italy. Maddy Schaffrick’s remarkable story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
She quit at 20, never wanting to touch a snowboard again.
She ended up in AA. She worked as a plumber.
Now — at age 31 — she’s chasing an Olympic medal in Italy. Maddy Schaffrick’s remarkable story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Reposted by Zak Keefer
Good week to learn about how the voice of the Super Bowl and Olympics studio host Mike Tirico got his start in broadcasting (included: a great Lee Corso story!)
Mike Tirico on Calling NFL Games, First Jobs, Olympics and More
YouTube video by Breaking In With Kevin Fishbain
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Good week to learn about how the voice of the Super Bowl and Olympics studio host Mike Tirico got his start in broadcasting (included: a great Lee Corso story!)
After three medals and three Olympics, Nick Goepper was finished. He retired at 28, ready to move on.
Then he had a crazy idea.
In a few weeks, he'll try to do something no male skier has ever done in Olympic history:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Then he had a crazy idea.
In a few weeks, he'll try to do something no male skier has ever done in Olympic history:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Nick Goepper was 'lost,' then the three-time Olympic medalist made a major change
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:32 PM
After three medals and three Olympics, Nick Goepper was finished. He retired at 28, ready to move on.
Then he had a crazy idea.
In a few weeks, he'll try to do something no male skier has ever done in Olympic history:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Then he had a crazy idea.
In a few weeks, he'll try to do something no male skier has ever done in Olympic history:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
At 22, he came the width of a nickel from never skiing again.
At the top of the hill, he still battles those doubts — what might happen — if were to slip while soaring down the side of a mountain at 80 mph.
The risks of Ryan Cochran-Sielge:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
At the top of the hill, he still battles those doubts — what might happen — if were to slip while soaring down the side of a mountain at 80 mph.
The risks of Ryan Cochran-Sielge:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Ryan Cochran-Siegle was millimeters from never skiing again. Now he's ready for another Olympics
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:31 PM
At 22, he came the width of a nickel from never skiing again.
At the top of the hill, he still battles those doubts — what might happen — if were to slip while soaring down the side of a mountain at 80 mph.
The risks of Ryan Cochran-Sielge:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
At the top of the hill, he still battles those doubts — what might happen — if were to slip while soaring down the side of a mountain at 80 mph.
The risks of Ryan Cochran-Sielge:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
First of several Olympic stories from me —
He spends a chunk of his winter driving around the country in a van with his buddies, filming tricks.
He keeps his Olympic gold medal in his sock drawer.
He might be the most successful ski bum on the planet:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
He spends a chunk of his winter driving around the country in a van with his buddies, filming tricks.
He keeps his Olympic gold medal in his sock drawer.
He might be the most successful ski bum on the planet:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
How Alex Hall, U.S. freeski Olympic star, found happiness and success in letting go
Skiing his way has made Hall one of the United States' most accomplished pros. And he knows he can never stop experimenting.
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 3:27 PM
First of several Olympic stories from me —
He spends a chunk of his winter driving around the country in a van with his buddies, filming tricks.
He keeps his Olympic gold medal in his sock drawer.
He might be the most successful ski bum on the planet:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
He spends a chunk of his winter driving around the country in a van with his buddies, filming tricks.
He keeps his Olympic gold medal in his sock drawer.
He might be the most successful ski bum on the planet:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
No Super Bowl for me this year — off to Italy to cover the Winter Olympics for @theathletic.com.
In the mountains with @bfquinn.bsky.social for a few weeks, writing about skiing and snowboarding.
Beyond pumped. Have wanted to cover the Games since Michael Johnson's 200m win in gold spikes in '96.
In the mountains with @bfquinn.bsky.social for a few weeks, writing about skiing and snowboarding.
Beyond pumped. Have wanted to cover the Games since Michael Johnson's 200m win in gold spikes in '96.
February 2, 2026 at 3:26 PM
No Super Bowl for me this year — off to Italy to cover the Winter Olympics for @theathletic.com.
In the mountains with @bfquinn.bsky.social for a few weeks, writing about skiing and snowboarding.
Beyond pumped. Have wanted to cover the Games since Michael Johnson's 200m win in gold spikes in '96.
In the mountains with @bfquinn.bsky.social for a few weeks, writing about skiing and snowboarding.
Beyond pumped. Have wanted to cover the Games since Michael Johnson's 200m win in gold spikes in '96.
"They wanted us to make arrests. It wasn't just about going after the violent individuals ... to me, it felt political."
Great read from @danpompei.bsky.social on why Peanut Tillman walked away from the FBI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Great read from @danpompei.bsky.social on why Peanut Tillman walked away from the FBI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
After Charles Tillman transformed football, he joined the FBI. Then the immigration raids started
Known for his signature “Peanut Punch” in the NFL, the ex-Bears cornerback found a new calling as a federal agent. So why did he walk away?
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 2:31 PM
"They wanted us to make arrests. It wasn't just about going after the violent individuals ... to me, it felt political."
Great read from @danpompei.bsky.social on why Peanut Tillman walked away from the FBI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
Great read from @danpompei.bsky.social on why Peanut Tillman walked away from the FBI
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
"Don't let our relationship ever impact what's best for the organization," Chris Ballard told the Irsay sisters.
In other words: If you wanna move on, I get it.
Instead, Ballard gets a 10th season.
w/ @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social, why this calculus was different:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
In other words: If you wanna move on, I get it.
Instead, Ballard gets a 10th season.
w/ @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social, why this calculus was different:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
January 6, 2026 at 2:21 PM
"Don't let our relationship ever impact what's best for the organization," Chris Ballard told the Irsay sisters.
In other words: If you wanna move on, I get it.
Instead, Ballard gets a 10th season.
w/ @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social, why this calculus was different:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
In other words: If you wanna move on, I get it.
Instead, Ballard gets a 10th season.
w/ @jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social, why this calculus was different:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
In early December, before the season fell apart, Carlie Irsay-Gordon wrote on a whiteboard at the Colts facility: "The things which hurt, instruct."
What's the Colts' new owner **really** like? A profile from
@jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
What's the Colts' new owner **really** like? A profile from
@jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
All eyes are on the NFL’s most atypical owner. Where will her curiosity lead her next?
Carlie Irsay-Gordon is younger than her peers, with her own distinctive vision of how an NFL owner can lead. It is about to be tested.
www.nytimes.com
December 30, 2025 at 1:50 PM
In early December, before the season fell apart, Carlie Irsay-Gordon wrote on a whiteboard at the Colts facility: "The things which hurt, instruct."
What's the Colts' new owner **really** like? A profile from
@jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
What's the Colts' new owner **really** like? A profile from
@jourdanrodrigue.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...
“We couldn’t stop a nosebleed.”
“Our fans deserve better.”
The shame of it is the 44-year-old high school coach did his part.
The defense did not.
And it speaks to a bigger issue — again, this team is fading with its season on the line:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
“Our fans deserve better.”
The shame of it is the 44-year-old high school coach did his part.
The defense did not.
And it speaks to a bigger issue — again, this team is fading with its season on the line:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
Philip Rivers deserved better, as Colts waste QB’s vintage performance: ‘We let him down’
Indy's 44-year-old quarterback played well enough to win on Monday night. The Colts' defense, however, was a train wreck.
www.nytimes.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:59 PM
“We couldn’t stop a nosebleed.”
“Our fans deserve better.”
The shame of it is the 44-year-old high school coach did his part.
The defense did not.
And it speaks to a bigger issue — again, this team is fading with its season on the line:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
“Our fans deserve better.”
The shame of it is the 44-year-old high school coach did his part.
The defense did not.
And it speaks to a bigger issue — again, this team is fading with its season on the line:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/691...
Is there any chance this actually works?
Philip Rivers called Frank Reich on Tuesday morning while he weighed his decision.
"I do think he gives them the best chance to win the division and get to the playoffs," Reich said. "I'm not afraid to say that."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Philip Rivers called Frank Reich on Tuesday morning while he weighed his decision.
"I do think he gives them the best chance to win the division and get to the playoffs," Reich said. "I'm not afraid to say that."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Why did the Colts gamble on Philip Rivers to save their season? ‘He can still sling it’
A bigger gamble than bringing in "Uncle Phil" would have been doing nothing.
www.nytimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Is there any chance this actually works?
Philip Rivers called Frank Reich on Tuesday morning while he weighed his decision.
"I do think he gives them the best chance to win the division and get to the playoffs," Reich said. "I'm not afraid to say that."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Philip Rivers called Frank Reich on Tuesday morning while he weighed his decision.
"I do think he gives them the best chance to win the division and get to the playoffs," Reich said. "I'm not afraid to say that."
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
"Maybe you get a beer named after you, or maybe you close a Tony Robbins seminar at midnight, or maybe you just drop your kid at school and hit golf balls in paradise ..."
@brianchamilton.bsky.social on the happiest men in the NFL, long snappers: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
@brianchamilton.bsky.social on the happiest men in the NFL, long snappers: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
The NFL’s most anonymous men are also the happiest: ‘My life’s not real’
'People think it’s impossible to get in (as a long snapper). It’s damn near impossible to stay in.'
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:31 PM
"Maybe you get a beer named after you, or maybe you close a Tony Robbins seminar at midnight, or maybe you just drop your kid at school and hit golf balls in paradise ..."
@brianchamilton.bsky.social on the happiest men in the NFL, long snappers: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
@brianchamilton.bsky.social on the happiest men in the NFL, long snappers: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Reposted by Zak Keefer
I went on a journey — to Las Vegas, San Diego, Dallas, and Buffalo — to learn about the NFL’s long-distance kicking revolution.
From a camp of pro hopefuls to Brandon Aubrey, Cameron Dicker, Cam Little and more.
Here’s my story on the art of kicking.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
From a camp of pro hopefuls to Brandon Aubrey, Cameron Dicker, Cam Little and more.
Here’s my story on the art of kicking.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 19, 2025 at 1:32 PM
I went on a journey — to Las Vegas, San Diego, Dallas, and Buffalo — to learn about the NFL’s long-distance kicking revolution.
From a camp of pro hopefuls to Brandon Aubrey, Cameron Dicker, Cam Little and more.
Here’s my story on the art of kicking.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
From a camp of pro hopefuls to Brandon Aubrey, Cameron Dicker, Cam Little and more.
Here’s my story on the art of kicking.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Perfect match of subject and writer 👇🏼
A few years ago, stuck in a writing slump, The National frontman Matt Berninger started scribbling song lyrics on baseballs.
It helped him find something.
From @bfquinn.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
A few years ago, stuck in a writing slump, The National frontman Matt Berninger started scribbling song lyrics on baseballs.
It helped him find something.
From @bfquinn.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Matt Berninger traded his notebook for a baseball. And the words kept coming
For The National’s frontman, the way forward was written on rawhide.
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Perfect match of subject and writer 👇🏼
A few years ago, stuck in a writing slump, The National frontman Matt Berninger started scribbling song lyrics on baseballs.
It helped him find something.
From @bfquinn.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
A few years ago, stuck in a writing slump, The National frontman Matt Berninger started scribbling song lyrics on baseballs.
It helped him find something.
From @bfquinn.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...