Sam Jackenthal was an internationally-ranked freestyle skier and competitive inline rollerblader. More importantly, he was a generous, fun-loving individual that lived his life with an incredibly strong sense of self-identity, purpose, character, and connection to community.
As a toddler, Sam loved to fly - jumping off rocks and furniture, challenging physics by riding the stairs in a laundry basket and landing his first backflip on inline skates at age eight.
Sam wasn't afraid of life's challenges. He lived in the moment and always seemed wiser than his years.
While Sam was a fearless, talented, and committed athlete, he was also generous and kind, helping small children on the playground and rescuing every stray dog he could find. Sam's love for life showed in his giant smile, goofy grins, and quick-witted jokes.
There are only two things in life we can control, our attitude and our activity. "
- Sam Jackenthal
Sam's passion and his go-big-or-go-home approach to sport prompted the young athletes he mentored to coin the phrase "Just Jackenthal It!" Sam gave them the courage and optimism to try new things, but he also reinforced his standards in life. He was tirelessly committed to his sport community and his community of friends.
At just 15, Sam won the overall combined title at the U.S. Junior Freestyle Championship. In 2015, he was ranked as one of the top 60 men in the world and top 20 Under-18. As a top-ranked international inline skater, he won the AIL Under-16 title in 2014 and 2015.
Later in 2015, Sam suffered a tragic ski training accident in Australia and did not survive.
Sam loved to fly, and his friends, mentees, and fans still "Shred for Sam." He was just 16 when he left us, but his impact in those few short years has inspired a generation.
Sam Left a Legacy
He was more than just an athlete.
While he was not on this earth for long, Sam made an impact on the people around him. After his passing, the community came together to enable his empowering characteristics to live on.
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The gold handprint is Sam's. It represents Sam holding up his community, his lasting legacy and his continued inspiration to many.
