✨ Let’s get into it ✨
💡 TLDR
POV: You just discovered that the queen of après-ski is also a thrift-store guru and about to crush the Olympics. Meet Rell Harwood, 24, the freestyle skier who’s basically the OG of chill vibes and s…
POV: You just discovered that the queen of après-ski is also a thrift-store guru and about to crush the Olympics. Meet Rell Harwood, 24, the freestyle skier who’s basically the OG of chill vibes and secondhand shopping. She’s got the skills to shred mountains and the hustle to hunt for vintage finds, and now she’s about to represent Team USA in the Milano-Cortina Games—while still being the ultimate thrift-store sleuth.
Harwood’s story is equal parts grit and glam. She grew up in Park City, skiing since age 3, but her love for the sport didn’t click until she switched from competitive racing to free skiing. “I was an adrenaline junkie,” she says. “Skiing just didn’t do it for me until I got into the free stuff.” Fast forward to now, and she’s a X Games gold medalist, U.S. Freeski Team member, and J.Crew collaborator. Her latest campaign? A short film called Alpine People, where she’s the “Après Aficionado”—cocoa connoisseur and queen of happy hour. She’s basically the human version of a cozy sweater, but with more jumps.
But let’s talk realness. Harwood’s path to the Olympics hasn’t been smooth. She’s dealt with ACL tears, surgeries, and the crushing reality of missing out on the 2022 Games. “I almost lost hope,” she admitted after tearing her ACL again this year. But here’s the thing: she’s not giving up. Instead of skipping slopestyle, she’s saving her energy for big air, ready to go full Thriller on the snow. And if you think that’s wild, her fashion game is even more so. She’s all about mixing vintage finds with sponsor gear, creating outfits that scream “I’m here to win, but also to thrift.”
Key takeaways? 1. Sport and style are literally the same thing for athletes—look good, play good. 2. Injuries? They’re just a detour, not a dead end. 3. Thrifting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a statement.
💫 Now, we’re curious: What’s your go-to thrift-store hack.
So, what’s next? Harwood’s qualifying for the Olympics, and she’s not done yet. She’s got her eye on Milan’s thrifting scene (because, of course) and a year of rehab ahead. But hey, she’s already crushing it. Now, we’re curious: What’s your go-to thrift-store hack? Or, if you’re going for the gold, what’s your secret to staying obsessed with your sport? Drop your thoughts below—let’s talk vibes.
❓ People Also Ask
What inspired Rell Harwood to become a freestyle skier?
Rell Harwood was inspired by her love for adrenaline and creativity, combining her passion for sports with her background in thrift-store shopping.
When will Rell Harwood compete in the Olympics?
Rell Harwood will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, making her Olympic debut in the freestyle skiing event.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇