Sergey Ridzik
A Russian ski cross specialist who battled back from serious injury to claim Olympic bronze medals at two consecutive Winter Games.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Russian freestyle skier·Birthday: October 25·Millennials
Biography
Sergey Ridzik's athletic story is one of resilience forged on the chaotic, high-speed track of ski cross. Hailing from a family of skiers, he initially competed in alpine disciplines before finding his calling in the head-to-head battles of ski cross. His career breakthrough came at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, where he won a bronze medal for the Olympic Athletes from Russia team. The path to the 2022 Beijing Games was far from smooth, however, as he suffered a devastating knee injury that required multiple surgeries and threatened his career. Against the odds, Ridzik rebuilt his strength and technique, returning to the Olympic stage in China to once again clinch a bronze medal. This repeat performance cemented his status as a master of consistency and nerve in one of winter sports' most unpredictable events.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Sergey was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Sergey Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Sergey's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won a bronze medal in ski cross at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
- Secured a second bronze medal in ski cross at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
- Earned a silver medal in ski cross at the 2021 World Championships.
- Achieved multiple World Cup podium finishes throughout his career.
Did You Know?
He comes from a sporting family; his father was a cross-country skier and his mother a swimmer.
He served as the flag bearer for the Russian Olympic Committee team at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
His 2022 Olympic bronze came after a dramatic final where he edged out Canadian favorite Brady Leman.
“In ski cross, you fight for every meter from start to finish.”
