CALIFORNIA—Shasta-Trinity National Forest hotshot Robby Burns will compete as part of the U.S. Olympic Snowboarding Team at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. 

Becoming an Olympian is a pipe dream for most athletes, but for one Forest Service employee, it has now become a reality. Robby Burns, who recently accepted a position on the Shasta Lake Interagency Hotshot Crew, was selected to complete as a snowboarder in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, which kick off this week. When Burns leaves the starting gate in Beijing, he will be wearing his Shasta Lake IHC buckle, which he earned after completing his third season on the crew. 

Burns has balanced his devotion to snowboard training in the winter with fighting wildland fires for the Forest Service in the summer. His ambition to compete in the Winter Olympics began while growing up on the slopes of Mount Shasta, California. His draw to public service emerged here too, leading him to serve as a lead firefighter with the Shasta Lake Interagency Hotshots from 2013 to 2015.

“Robby was an integral part of the success of the crew,” said Joe Bogdan, Shasta Lake IHC superintendent. “We deeply respect the sacrifices he has made and his discipline to achieve his goals. We created lifelong and battled-tested relationships through our time working together.” 

In the lead-up to the Olympics, Burns continued to demonstrate his decisive leadership fighting fires. This past summer, he was part of an engine crew assigned to the Dixie Fire, Salmon River Complex, Corral Complex, Forks Complex, Mad River Complex and Gasquet Complex.  

Burns identifies himself as a snowboarder, firefighter and a speaker. He has shared that hard work, discipline and support from others has allowed him to compete in three world championships and to achieve his dream of competing in the Winter Olympics.

“When one of us finds success at such a high level like Robby has, the crew and I all get to celebrate,” said Bogdan.

Robby made clear that he feels their support in an article from the Redding Record Searchlight: “The hotshots, they’re super-excited.” 

You can cheer for Robby Burns as he competes in the parallel giant slalom—an event with tight turns and the goal to be the fastest down the course, with several rounds of elimination—on Feb. 7, starting at 7 p.m. Pacific.