The Speedy Petersen Story Is Featured on HBO

The Olympics have always been so exciting to watch. In my humble opinion watching professionals play sports at a high level is always great however, watching Olympians complete always feels more authentic. It's almost as if professionals are untouchables yet Olympians may live next door to us. It seems as though there is a deeper sense of connection since we feel like these athletes have dedicated their lives to becoming the best in the world strictly to represent our country.

I can only assume the amount of pressure that goes along with that kind of responsibility and recently we witnessed Simone Biles and several other Olympians open up about the mental health issues they've experienced. Unfortunately for us here in Idaho that hit close to home as it brought back memories of Jeret "Speedy" Petersen. Yes he was a huge deal for team USA in the Olympics but he was a bigger deal for us Idahoan's who ride the same trails as him on Bogus Basin. As we all know Jeret struggled with mental health and now in light of everything that took place at this years games HBO is featuring his story in a documentary.

The Speedy foundation is a positive that came out of Speedy's tragedy and they continue to serve the community by training Gatekeepers. What exactly is a Gatekeeper? According to their website:

"Gatekeepers include parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters, and many others who are strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide."

If you feel the need to help you can get trained absolutely free by clicking here.