Sophie Caldwell Hamilton is a retired American cross-country ski racer renowned for her specialization in sprint disciplines. Her professional journey began with her debut in the FIS Cross-Country World Cup in December 2012, where she secured a commendable 14th place in the individual competition. Caldwell quickly made her mark on the international stage, finishing 20th in the classical style sprint at the 2013 World Ski Championships in Val di Fiemme, showcasing her potential as a competitive athlete.
In 2014, Caldwell achieved significant milestones, including a sixth-place finish in the freestyle sprint at the Sochi Winter Olympics, marking the best result ever by a female American cross-country skier at the time. Her determination and skill were further highlighted when she clinched her first World Cup podium with a third-place finish in the freestyle sprint in Lahti, Finland, solidifying her status as a top contender in the sport.
Caldwell’s career reached new heights in 2016 when she won the classic sprint at the Tour de Ski in Oberstdorf, Germany. This victory not only made her the second American woman to win a World Cup event but also the first to triumph in a classical World Cup race. Her achievements have inspired many aspiring athletes and contributed to the growth of cross-country skiing in the United States.
After a successful career with a total of 10 podiums in World Cup competition, Caldwell announced her retirement from competitive skiing on March 22, 2021. Her legacy as a pioneering athlete continues to resonate within the skiing community, and she remains a celebrated figure in American sports history.