Sixteen Knee Surgeries — And a Return to Skiing When It Should’ve Been Over

What does it take to come back after a body-breaker of an injury—not once, but sixteen times?

Chris Anthony is a legendary ski athlete, filmmaker, and adventurer who has stared down more than his fair share of wipeouts, surgeries, and life-altering setbacks. But instead of fading quietly from the spotlight, Chris rebuilt. Physically. Mentally. Spiritually.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to recover—not just to return to sport, but to reinvent yourself in the process.

You’ll hear Chris talk about:

• The gruesome reality and mental toll of having 16 knee surgeries
• How he kept skiing—and pushing limits—long after most would have quit
• His unforgettable days shooting for Warren Miller ski films (before GoPros and drones)
• His time skiing across Mongolia with the local military—and the cultural surprises that came with it (hint: fermented horse milk)
• What he’s building now with the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project (CYIP) to help underserved youth through outdoor education

Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down. It means getting smarter, tougher—and more intentional with how we heal, move, and lead.

⚠️ Host's Note on Nutrition

In this episode, Chris shares candid reflections on his recovery journey—including the role diet played for him, which includes red meat. While I personally follow a mostly plant-based lifestyle and believe it's possible to fuel performance without animal products, I also deeply respect the importance of honoring each guest’s lived experience.

We don’t have to agree on everything to learn from one another. And I’m proud to share real, nuanced conversations—even when they reflect different paths.

🔗 Links & Resources

• Learn more about Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project (CYIP) → chrisanthony.com
  
  
• Follow Chris on Instagram → @chrisanthonyski
  
  
• Watch the Warren Miller ski films → warrenmiller.com
  
  

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Topics: longevity, fitness over 40, endurance training, aging athletes, recovery, injury prevention