Slaloming to Paralympic Glory

Caitlin H. Sarubbi ’12 was not supposed to live through the first days of her life.  But today, at age 20, she has become a world-renowned skier who just finished competing in the 2010 Paralympics.

Born with Ablepharon Macrostomia Syndrome, a disease that affects approximately 13 people worldwide and causes physical deformities, Sarubbi has undergone more than 50 reconstructive surgeries and, as a result of the illness, is visually impaired.

She discovered skiing several years during a trip to Colorado, where her father, a New York City firefighter, was being honored after the September 11 attacks. There, when Sarubbi clicked into her skis for the first time, she says she “immediately fell in love with it.”

Sarubbi took a leave of absence after freshman fall to train and compete. She skis with the help of a guide, who navigates in front of her and communicates directions through a headset.

According to Caitlin’s mom, Cathy M. Sarrubi, it was the sense of freedom that hooked her daughter. Soon after their trip to Colorado, Sarubbi traveled to Windham, N.Y. where she enrolled at the Adaptive Sports Foundation’s school.

“I balanced skiing and school, and the first week in April I got my acceptance letter from Harvard that Wednesday, and my nomination letter for the [Paralympic] Team that Friday,” she recalls. “It was a great week.”

Sarubbi, who carried the torch through the streets of Vancouver in the Paralympic Torch Relay this winter, qualified for all five of the alpine events. Twenty-eight of Sarubbi’s family members and friends flew to Vancouver to support her.

“I think just every day she was out there giving it her best,” said Ray Watkins, Sarubbi’s coach.

“There is only one word to describe Caitlin,” says Cathy Sarubbi. “Miracle.”