Sam Jackenthal

Sam Jackenthal was an internationally-ranked freestyle skier and competitive inline rollerblader. More importantly, he was a generous, fun-loving individual with a great sense of 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.

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.