By Rich Chrampanis
Meaghan Tierney grew up in Rumson and Little Silver before moving to Eagle, Colorado, to begin training in snowboard cross. The 25-year-old has qualified for her second Olympic Games and is set to compete Feb. 9 in Beijing, China. After finishing 17th in her Olympic debut four years ago in South Korea, Tierney’s second time representing the United States was a difficult journey. She had her best finish of the year thanks to a sixth-place effort at an FIS Snowboard event in Cervinia, Italy, Dec. 18. But a positive test for COVID-19 forced her to miss a final qualifying event for the U.S. team. In the end, Tierney’s results internationally helped her earn the fourth and final spot for the United States team.
The Two River Times caught up with Tierney while she was training in Austria.
The Two River Times: The Olympic selection process is stressful enough but you had to endure missing the last qualifying event due to testing positive for COVID. Can you describe the rollercoaster of emotions and how you ultimately got selected for the team?
Meaghan Tierney: It was pretty crazy! I was really looking forward to getting back to racing after the World Cup in Cervinia, Italy, so when I found out I had COVID I was pretty upset. Looking back now I’m definitely thankful that it happened when it did so I can try not to stress too much about testing positive out in China. I was really happy to get the call that I had made the team. I had an idea before they called me because of my results during the qualifying period but it was still a relief to get the call.
TRT: This is your second time on the United States Olympic Team. What can you use from your first Olympic experience to help you this time around in Beijing?
Tierney: To be honest, it’s hard to say. I feel like COVID has really changed a lot of things and it seems like it may be very different from my first experience. We will see when we get over there but I’m guessing it’ll be totally different.
TRT: The Beijing Games have unprecedented restrictions due to COVID. How do you think that will effect your preparation?
Tierney: I don’t think my preparation is much different than my previous Olympics – other than being extra cautious to not get sick – but I’m looking forward to just being out there and competing. I try not to get too wrapped up in everything regarding COVID, I just try to stay as safe as possible and do the best I can! If I think too much about it, it can be overwhelming.
TRT: Your family and friends will not be able to see you compete in person because of the pandemic restrictions. How does that change your Olympic experience?
Tierney: I’m definitely sad that my family and friends aren’t able to be out there. It was an incredible experience having them in the 2018 games but unfortunately they’re not able to join this one. I think because I’m used to them not being at all of my races it will be totally fine but of course wish they could experience it with me!
TRT: You moved to Colorado before high school. What ties do you still have to the Little Silver/Rumson area?
Tierney: Most of my dad’s side of the family still lives there. So, I always love going back and visiting everyone and going to the beach club – Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis Club – as well as (seeing) my friends.
TRT: What do you know about the snowboard cross course you will be competing on and how are you feeling as you get set to take the world stage?
Tierney: It will be somewhat similar to the test event we had in November, so I’m excited to get on the course. It’s definitely more safe than the last Olympic course – I loved that course – so everyone should be closer together which always makes for a fun race. I’m feeling good about it though, I try not to think too much about it and just do the best that I can and hopefully make my family and country and sponsors – Virtu financial and Jim Curley Buick- GMC – proud!!
The article originally appeared in the February 3 – 9, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
