The Skeleton is one of the most dangerous Olympic Sports there is but Noelle Pikus Pace, a mom of two and fierce competitor on the pro circuit, shows no fear as she prepares to head back to the Olympics in 2014. Noelle Pikus-Pace credits husband Janson Pace, and his unwavering support, for her incredible comeback.
After Noelle competed in the 2010 Olympics she decided to retire and follow the Mormon tradition of growing her family. Sadly, a miscarriage with their third child left both Janson and Noelle overwhelmed with grief. It wasn’t until Janson encouraged Noelle to get back on the sled that the Pace family was able to finally find some peace.
It can’t be easy to travel all over the world, leaving your husband and two children behind, and simultaneously find the resolve and focus you need to win. Janson however, changed that equation for Noelle, agreeing to take on her competition schedule as a family. When Noelle competed this year, wether it was in Utah or Russia, her husband and kids were right there cheering her on. As a result, Noelle had the best season of her career winning the last World Cup race of the season in Sochi and ranking third in the world overall. Noelle is heading to the Olympics at the top of her game and she plans to ride the ice on a sled designed personally by Janson.
While Janson and Noelle’s story may not be one of salacious scandal or gossip, they are truly an inspirational couple who value their family above all else. In fact Janson keeps tabs on their wholesome family outings which include trips to the rodeo, birthday celebrations, and of course world-wide adventures, on his blog “The Pace Space”. If you decide to check it out beware: it may cause a lovey- dovey, warm and fuzzy, general cuteness overload… don’t say we didn’t warn you. Either way, it looks like Janson may be gearing up to give us a behind the scenes look into all that Sochi has to offer the Pace family in February!
