Matt LaBaugh, a rising star on the U.S. Freeski Halfpipe Team and a contender for the 2026 Winter Olympics, has returned to his hometown of Rye this summer as he gears up for a critical Olympic qualifying season.
LaBaugh, 21, lived in Rye from 2004 to 2017 before relocating with his family to Colorado to pursue elite training opportunities. Now ranked ninth in the world in freeski halfpipe, he’s coming off a breakout 2024–25 season that saw him claim his first World Cup podium with a third-place finish in Aspen, a NorAm Cup victory in January, and top five qualifications in four World Cups since December 2024. These achievements are even more impressive considering they followed his comeback from a back injury earlier in the year.
A former student at Milton School and Rye Middle School, LaBaugh showed fearless energy from an early age. At just four years old, he stunned parents at a Rye Newcomer’s BBQ when he was spotted walking across the top of the monkey bars. In fifth grade, he wowed audiences by adding an unscripted backflip off the stage during a school play of Aladdin — a glimpse of the athleticism that now fuels his freeski career.
“Coming back to Rye reminds me where this whole journey started,” LaBaugh said. “Right now, I’m focused on making the most of every moment heading into Olympic selection.”
In August, LaBaugh will travel to New Zealand for critical on-snow training. With only three World Cup events before the final U.S. Olympic team is named, competition is fierce. The U.S. Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Team — widely considered one of the strongest in the world — boasts Olympic medalists and frequent podium sweeps. LaBaugh will be battling for one of the few coveted Olympic spots amid a roster of elite talent.
Stay up to date on upcoming events by visiting the U.S. Ski and Snowboard website https://www.usskiandsnowboard.org/, and be sure to keep an eye out for LaBaugh representing Rye on the global stage.
