Bella Wright’s Journey: How an Olympic Skier Finds Strength in Gratitude Every Day
Bella Wright, the 27-year-old Olympian from Utah, is carving out her own remarkable path in the world of competitive alpine skiing. Her reputation is built on a blend of audacity and precision that sees her tackling the slopes with undeniable flair. As she gears up for the next couple of years, she feels a surge of optimism, especially with the World Cup event on the horizon this December.
“Beaver Creek, Colorado, is where it all kicks off for me this season and it’s my first World Cup in the U.S.,” she enthusiastically shares with Well+Good. “This is a landmark moment in my career. I’m targeting a podium finish and perhaps even a win—I mean, who wouldn’t want to shine in front of a hometown crowd?”
Arming herself with relentless determination, Wright is also training rigorously for next year’s World Championship Downhill in super-G, along with the highly anticipated 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. “I can’t help but dream of bringing home that Olympic gold; that’s the pinnacle for me,” she admits. “At this point in my life, I genuinely feel more prepared than ever because of the experience I’ve gathered over the years.”
Yet her journey has been far from smooth. Throughout her career, Wright has faced her fair share of physical challenges, notably including a torn ACL. The lengthy eight-month rebound wasn’t easy, but instead of allowing it to demoralize her, she has chosen to cherish the lessons that emerged from the struggle.
“After my ACL injury, I learned to slow down and really listen to my body. It was about rebuilding confidence and confronting the fears that come with injuries head-on,” she reflects. “Injuries are just part of the game; they’ve stoked my ambition to elevate my performance and push myself to new heights.”
Wright derives her inspiration not only from her own experiences but also from the wisdom shared by icons like former skiing champ Lindsey Vonn and Hollywood powerhouse Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. “What he preaches is so motivating and genuine,” she applauds. “One of his main pieces of advice is to always be the hardest worker in the room—to keep pushing forward relentlessly and to own your badassery. That’s a mantra I keep in my back pocket.”
Between intense training sessions and preparing for her upcoming events, we took some time to chat with Wright to glean insights into her morning routine, what keeps her grounded, and how she blends her passion for nutritious cooking with her life on the snow-packed mountains.
She starts each day with gratitude
Wright kicks off her day around 7 a.m., keeping a small notepad by her bedside. “I’ve started this practice of writing down three things I’m grateful for right when I wake up. It’s a game-changer,” she shares. “Sometimes I lean into bigger ideas, like gratitude for my career or my family, while other times, it’s just appreciating the little things, like my cozy robe or my favorite lip masks. It’s a light exercise that always helps refocus my mind.”
Her robe? It’s a must-have for her mornings
Getting ready in a robe is her preferred ritual: “In winter, I’m all about those fuzzy robes, but when summer hits, I switch to silk,” she laughs. “I might have around ten robes in my wardrobe now! The Skims robe is a favorite, but my ultimate prize is this gorgeous blue silk one I snagged in Chinatown, San Francisco, adorned with stunning traditional designs. It’s such a beautiful piece and makes even the most ordinary mornings feel a touch more luxurious.”
Once she’s embraced the morning in her robe, it’s time to switch gears into workout gear. “You’ll probably catch me in my Project Rock clothing—honestly, it’s like a second skin for me. Their sports bras offer unmatched support and comfort while looking good, and I live for the way their shorts and tanks fit my body. Plus, their Project Rock 7 Training Shoes are my go-to!”
Keeping her skincare simple due to sensitivity
Most mornings, she’s focused on preparing for workouts. Given her sensitive skin, Wright’s skincare routine is minimalist yet effective. “I stick with Garnier’s Micellar Water and Shiseido’s skincare line, which includes their serum and moisturizer. I also add an eye cream now and then. Not forgetting a nourishing lip mask! Those sugar recovery masks from Fresh are my favorites, along with the ones from Laneige—I’ve got to keep my lips happy.”
Lemon water is her go-to morning drink
“Honestly, I can’t start my day without lemon in my water. I savor a tall glass of sparkling water with lemon every morning before heading to the gym,” she says. “I was a barista years ago, and I definitely drank way too much coffee, which made me jittery at night. Cutting back on caffeine was a lifestyle change for me, focusing on lemon-infused water and herbal teas. I still treat myself to coffee or apple cider now and then, but sparingly.”
Breakfast varies but packs a protein punch
Wright emphasizes nutrition, devoting time to a protein-rich breakfast when her schedule permits. “My ultimate breakfast is a quinoa bowl featuring tofu, sweet potatoes, tahini, and whichever veggies I can scrounge together,” she explains, showcasing her knack for nutritious, plant-based cooking. “I adore cooking with my Breville wok—it’s phenomenal because it cooks everything evenly while giving it a nice char in no time.”
When her morning is rushed, she opts for a quick smoothie, combining strawberries, mango, and banana with plant-based protein powder and oat milk. “Having been a lifelong vegan, I understand the significance of proteins in my diet. My coaches value my nutrition consciousness, too. I work closely with a nutritionist at the Center of Excellence in Park City, Utah—part of U.S. Ski Team support. I’m excited to keep exploring ways to level up my nutrition game.”
Music sets the tone for her mornings
“Music is a must for me in the mornings, and I love to mix it up. I’ll rock out to some classic rock but also ease into softer melodies, like something by Billie Eilish, depending on my mood. It really amps me up for the day ahead!”
Then comes the workout session
Wright kicks off her first workout session at 8:30 a.m., alternating between cardio and strength training for about one-and-a-half to two hours. “Afterward, I’ll spend an additional 30 to 60 minutes on physical therapy—this is essential for maintaining the aches and issues I’ve developed over the years, especially focusing on my right hip and shoulder. We’ve been emphasizing strengthening and mobility exercises lately.”
After her first bout of exercise, she enjoys lunch at a training center, catered by a skilled chef who knows how to accommodate different dietary needs before diving back into her second workout. Wright’s commitment to her craft and her journey reflects a true dedication to the sport of alpine skiing, and with her eyes set high, it’s evident that she’s just warming up to the next chapter in her remarkable story.
