Why choose us?
Where Elite Training Meets Flexible Education
The Olympic journey isn’t linear—and neither is the life of a high-performance athlete.
At US Performance Academy (USPA), student-athletes don’t have to choose between their sport and their education. Our flexible, accredited learning model allows athletes to train full-time, travel internationally, and compete at the highest levels—without falling behind academically.
From Olympic qualifiers and reserve athletes to Youth Olympians and USPA graduates competing on the world stage, USPA is proud to support winter sport athletes at every phase of their journey.
Meet our athletes
Our Olympic & Winter Sport Athletes
From aspiring Olympians to athletes already competing on the world stage, USPA student-athletes pursue excellence on snow while keeping their academics in stride. Their journeys reflect discipline, resilience, and the balance that our flexible learning model makes possible.
“My experience with USPA has been really good in comparison to a regular brick-and-mortar school. I have a lot more flexibility, which allows me to train a lot more, and it lets me have a much clearer mind when I ski because I don’t have to worry about falling behind. Since I train so much, I don’t have anything else in my head except what I have to do in my next training run. This past winter, I had one of my biggest learning curves ever—one of my best winters—and I don’t think that would have been possible if I couldn’t split my school and training the way I do. I can adjust everything to whatever’s going on, whether it’s raining or if I’m tired.”
Lara Markthaler
USPA Class of 2026
Lara Markthaler
Lara Markthaler, Class of 2026, is officially taking her talents to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games! After a stellar performance at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, Lara has proven she’s ready for the senior stage, representing South Africa in both Slalom and Giant Slalom.
Before USPA, balancing year-round training, international travel, and a traditional school schedule made academics difficult to manage. With USPA’s flexible online model, Lara has been able to stay on track in the classroom while fully committing to life on the mountain.
Now, Lara is preparing for the biggest stage in winter sports, carrying momentum from one of the strongest seasons of her career.
- USPA Student, Class of 2026
- Alpine Skiing (Slalom & Giant Slalom)
- Represents South Africa
- Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Competitor
- 2024 Winter Youth Olympics Competitor
“While I was training and competing across different countries, USPA made it possible for me to stay connected to my education. Their flexibility and understanding of an athlete’s lifestyle helped me pursue high performance in my sport while staying committed to my academics.”
Nicole Begue
USPA Class of 2024
Nicole Begue
USPA alum Nicole Begue (Class of 2024) chose USPA for the flexibility and consistent support. Representing Team Argentina, Nicole competed at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Women’s Downhill, Women’s Super-G, and Women’s Team Combined.
With USPA, Nicole was able to maintain academic stability wherever she was in the world, backed by teachers and learning coaches who understand the demands of high-performance sport. USPA allowed her to follow her coursework on the go, ensuring she could compete internationally without falling behind.
After strong Olympic performances, Nicole continues her upward trajectory, building on her global experience and momentum as she pursues her next chapter in international alpine skiing.
- USPA Graduate, Class of 2024
- Alpine Skiing (Downhill, Super-G, Team Combined)
- Represents Argentina
- Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Competitor
“Thanks to the USPA, Thot’s skiing career has been made possible. The study method has allowed him to follow his training and, above all, to travel to many competitions while still managing to keep up with his studies.”
Luigi Garnero
Thot’s father
Thotsawat Garnero
USPA student-athlete Thotsawat “Thot” Garnero earned Olympic qualifying points in both Slalom (SL) and Giant Slalom (GS) for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. While he narrowly missed competing this cycle, Thot remains part of the Olympic experience, serving as a reserve athlete and coach in Bormio, Italy, where the men’s SL and GS events take place.
His season continues on the world stage as he competes at the 45th Junior Alpine Skiing World Championships in Narvik, Norway. Through every phase of his journey, USPA’s flexible learning model has allowed Thot to train, travel internationally, and stay fully on track academically.
- USPA Student, Class of 2026
- Alpine Skiing (Slalom & Giant Slalom)
- Represents Thailand
- Olympic Reserve Athlete & Coach – Milano Cortina Winter Games 2026
- Competitor, 45th Junior Alpine Skiing World Championships (Norway)
Working with USPA
Built for the Demands of Elite Athletes
Winter sport athletes face intense training schedules, global travel, and constant competition—USPA is designed to support that reality without compromising education.
Flexible, Accredited Curriculum
Learn on a fully accredited program that adapts to your training and competition schedule.
Train & Travel Globally
Stay academically on track while training, racing, and competing anywhere in the world.
1:1 Academic Coaching
Access teachers and advisors who understand the lifestyle and pressures of elite athletes.
Personalized Pacing
Adjust coursework around early mornings, long travel days, and demanding training blocks.
Proven Olympic & Professional Pathway
Trusted by Olympic hopefuls, national-team athletes, and elite winter sport competitors.
Athlete-First Learning Model
Designed specifically for high-performance athletes—not traditional classroom routines.
Next steps