Mallory Duncan: Redefining Skiing Through Jazz and Personal Expression

Mallory Duncan, a professional skier, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and saxophonist, has carved a distinctive niche in the skiing world. Raised in Portland, Oregon, Duncan's early exposure to music and skiing shaped his creative identity. He began skiing at 18 months old and was competing seriously by age eight, eventually earning a scholarship to Sugar Bowl Academy, a private high school focused on skiing. Duncan aspired to win an Olympic gold medal, but his journey took an unexpected turn when he did not make the University of Vermont's ski team, prompting him to step away from competitive skiing.

The Guardian

After a year away from the sport, Duncan returned to skiing, describing the experience as "relearning how to ski." He found a newfound freedom in skiing without the constraints of competition, likening it to playing music from the soul. “It was all about exploring new areas, following your heart,” he explained, drawing parallels between skiing and jazz, a genre he deeply appreciates. Duncan believes both forms allow for improvisation and personal expression, stating, “Jazz is a disruptive genre that doesn’t always follow the rules.”

The Guardian

Duncan stands out as one of the few Black professional skiers, and he aims to redefine what it means to be a skier. He emphasizes that while his Black identity is part of his experience, it does not solely define him as an athlete. His award-winning short film, *Blackcountry Journal*, which premiered in the fall of 2023, blends backcountry skiing with jazz, showcasing the intersection of these two cultures. “I wanted to show that Black people have a place in skiing, not tell people they do,” he remarked, highlighting his desire to create connections rather than simply state facts.

The Guardian

In addition to skiing, Duncan launched a creative agency focused on sales, marketing, and film projects, viewing entrepreneurship as an extension of his creativity. He noted, “Creativity isn’t just music and art; it’s the way you bring an idea to life.” His work reflects a commitment to expanding the narrative around skiing and making it more inclusive.

The Guardian

Despite his achievements, Duncan has faced challenges within the ski industry. He has expressed feelings of being "othered" in spaces dominated by traditional skiing conversations. “I didn’t always feel like a skier,” he shared, emphasizing his desire to broaden the definition of skiing to include diverse experiences. His focus has shifted from traditional accolades to personal expression and creativity, aiming to inspire others to find their own paths in the sport.

The Guardian

• “When I stopped racing, it was like relearning how to ski,” — Mallory Duncan, Professional Skier

The Guardian

• “Jazz is a disruptive genre that doesn’t always follow the rules, an improvisational thing.” — Mallory Duncan, Professional Skier

The Guardian

• “I wanted to show that Black people have a place in skiing, not tell people they do.” — Mallory Duncan, Filmmaker

The Guardian

Duncan's journey illustrates the evolving landscape of skiing, where personal expression and cultural integration are becoming increasingly significant. His efforts to blend jazz with skiing not only challenge industry norms but also pave the way for a more inclusive future in the sport.

The Guardian