Atle Lie McGrath “Born in the USA’

Alte Lie McGrath is among the young stars of the alpine World Cup. Before he was 22, he had won two World Cup Slaloms and stood on five podiums. Notably, at 20, he had his first experience, a 2nd place result in the 2020 Alta Badia Giant Slalom. 

After recovering from a 2021 injury requiring surgery, McGrath, at 21, finished last season 3rd in the World Cup Slalom season standings. He is among the most exciting young men racing today’s FIS Alpine World Cup. That said, the emerging Norwegian star speaks English with an American dialect because he is one. He was born in Burlington, Vermont, to an American father and Norwegian mother. Not surprisingly, both parents were great athletes.

His father, Felix McGrath, is an alumnus of the United States Ski Team. The senior McGrath also earned his own World Cup podium when he finished 2nd to Alberto Tomba in the 1988 Are, Sweden Slalom. 

That day he finished three positions ahead of the GOAT, Ingemar Stenmark, in Stenmark’s home country. McGrath’s American dad finished 3rd in the World Cup SL standings that year, just like he did this season. 

Although his father, Felix, still maintains his residence in Norway, he was the Sport Director at Burke Mountain Academy starting in August 2019. He then became their European Programs Director in the spring of 2022.

Unfortunately for US alpine skiing, Atle’s family moved to Norway when he was two. Atle’s mother is Selma Lie, a former Norwegian cross-country skier who once competed for the University of Vermont. 

Regardless of the misfortunes of US alpine skiing, things have worked out well for this rising star. 

Enjoy learning more from this FIS alpine video presentation.