Hi, my name is Shannon Bahrke and I’ve been a member of the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team for the past ten years.  During that time, I have had a wonderful career that includes competing in two Olympic Games, bringing home the silver medal in 2002, holding several World and National titles, making friends in different countries, and traveling all over the world.  My freestyle skiing journey began when I was 12 years old. The head coach of the Squaw Valley Freestyle Team, Ray DeVre, thought he saw potential in me and helped cultivate the talents of an unruly adolescent

girl. As a result, I absolutely fell in love with sport and couldn’t imagine spending my time anywhere but on skis.  My passion for skiing is certainly contagious as my younger brother, Scotty, can attest. He followed me into freestyle skiing and is now a world-class athlete in his own right as a freestyle aerialist.

Never being content to sit still, I am constantly pursuing new and exciting endeavors.  When I’m not putting in training time – which is pretty much a full time job – I am working developing my coffee company.  And when I am not working at either of those I can be found hiking, biking, golfing, riding motorcycles, practicing yoga, or relaxing and unwinding with a good book.  My newest obsession plays out in the exciting arena of car racing.  I received my rookie license in 2007 and I am always looking for a way to squeeze in some time on the track.  Danica Patrick, watch out!! 

Unfortunately, I was unable to ski competitively this year due to an injured knee. However, this injury did not derail my enthusiasm for skiing. Instead, I am as focused and determined as ever to return to the sport I love. My goal is to compete in my 3rd Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver 2010, and hopefully enjoy some World Cup victories along the way! Thank you in advance for all of your support in my many endeavors and let the good times roll!!!  

Results In Skiing

Olympics
2nd 2002 Olympic Winter Games

World Championships
3rd 2007 World Championships
3rd 2003 World Championships

World Cup Titles
2003 Overall World Cup Champion

World Cup Competition
7 World Cup wins
22 podiums appearances

U.S. National Championships
5 National Titles

Why I Chose Best Friends For My Charity
I chose Best Friends for my charity simply because I love animals! I grew up with cats, dogs, fish, and birds and each holds a special place in my heart.  Most of my pets came to me through humane societies or lost and found situations.  However, not every animal is fortunate enough to find a loving companion. It greatly saddens me that right now millions of animals are homeless and lack proper care. A vast number of animals are victims of abuse and neglect by their supposed caregivers.  It is clear to me that animals need our help.

Choosing Best Friends as my charity is just a small way I can contribute in hopes that our furry friends will always have a happy home to take them in, no matter how terrible their previous situation.  Best Friends is an organization that sets the standard for animal rescue and care. For the past 20 years, Best Friends has diligently worked to build and expand their animal sanctuary in Angel Canyon, UT. In any given day, more than 2,000 rescued animals call Angel Canyon sanctuary home.  

Best Friends: In their own words:

A better world through kindness to animals.

Best Friends is working with our members – and with humane groups all across the country – to bring about a time when
there are No More Homeless Pets.

The sanctuary at Angel Canyon, in the Golden Circle of
southern Utah, is home, on any given day, to about 2,000
dogs, cats, and other animals from all over the country.
Many of them need just a few weeks of special care before
they’re ready to go to good new homes. Others, who are
older or sicker, or who have suffered extra trauma, find a
home and a haven here, and are given loving care for the
rest of their lives.

Through the Best Friends Network, Best Friends reaches
across the nation and around the world, helping local
communities to rescue animals in distress and to set up
spay/neuter, shelter, foster, and adoption programs in their
own neighborhoods, cities and states.

And our rapid response team brings rescue and relief to
people and pets in times of crisis and disaster.

The work of Best Friends is supported entirely through the
donations of our members, who help to ensure that animals
who come into the care of Best Friends will never again
be alone, hungry, sick, afraid, or in pain.

To Find Out Even More:

• To learn more about Shannon, you can visit her personal web site, www.shannonbahrke.com
  
  
• To learn more about Best Friends Animal Society and how they are making sure every pet around the world has a safe place to call home, please visit www.bestfriends.org