Welcome to Allover Diaries, where we get to know the inspiring people who wear our overalls and the adventures they take in them.
For this edition, we chatted with Carly Marguiles, a retired Olympic freeskier who has uncovered the secret to rediscovering childhood joys and is helping others do the same.
Tell us a little about why you are who you are today.
Of course, my friends and family have shaped me into who I am today. My relationship with God has also taught me that everything happens for a reason, and I’m thankful for where it has led me.
Childhood experiences shape you–even make or break you. I experienced some bullying as a child, and now, as an adult, I never want anyone to feel the way I felt when I was bullied. So, a huge value of mine is making sure everyone feels included, valued, and special. As hard as those times were, everything happens for a reason.
As a teen, I dealt with mental health struggles, specifically depression. Going to therapy sparked my interest in psychology and helping others, which today I channel through mentoring athletes and younger children.
I’ve also dealt with a ton of injuries and setbacks in my career in freeskiing, and each and every injury has proven to have a silver lining. But being part of that freeski community is amazing because it’s such a creative sport where you develop your own style. I’m a more creative and free-spirited person today because of it.
With all of these experiences, I’ve learned to adopt the mindset that hardships are growth opportunities.
You once mentioned to us that you recently fell in love with skiing all over again. What has that experience been like?
When I retired from competing two years ago, I immediately went into coaching. I don’t think I initially had the time I needed to process everything that had just happened with a career-ending injury, so I immediately shifted my focus to helping others with their careers instead. By the end of that first season of coaching, I resented skiing entirely. So much so that I decided to move to Australia to be as far away from snow as possible.
But then I felt a calling to return to the mountains. When I came back to Aspen, I actively made the decision to look at skiing in a different light. I realized that I am so lucky to have something that I am so good at, and realistically, a lot of people wish they were so good at.
That’s why I dedicated this ski season to myself. Not for results or a job but for the joy of it. And I fell in love with skiing again like I did when I was younger. And I don’t think I’ll ever take it for granted again.
What does the perfect day look like for Carly?
Waking up early to the most perfect, deep powder day of your life. Hooting and hollering with your best friends on the mountain and then being so tired by the end of the day that all you can think about is hopping into a hot spring or hot tub and watching the sunset. You get to eat sushi for dinner and end the evening at a concert or festival. And then you go to bed and do it all over again the next day.
Who are the people who inspire you most?
The first person that comes to mind is Lindsay Vaughn. When I experienced my first injury at fourteen, I watched a documentary about how she handled her knee injuries, only to come back stronger. She filled me with so much hope.
She actually just came out of retirement at forty years old with a double knee replacement. That’s insane. She will forever be at the top of my list for someone I admire.
Generally, though, I’m inspired by people who are free-spirited and chase their dreams without worrying about what other people say they should be doing. I’m also inspired by people who are selfless, caring, and inclusive–those are the people who motivate me to continue following my own path.
Tell us about your experience wearing Allovers.
The material is so flexible. When I went bouldering, they allowed me to get into some interesting positions. I feel like that’s rare compared to other outdoor gear.
I haven’t been able to take advantage of it yet, but I’m also excited about their water resistance. Knowing that I can go for a hike and immediately for a swim afterward in a lake or a waterfall and I don’t have to worry about my clothes being soaked is huge.
Ready for your next adventure? Check out our collection for overalls that you can take everywhere.
