5 Super Athletes With Ties To Salt Lake City

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Salt Lake City area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Kyra Condie (Climbing)

Kyra Condie, a professional climber based in Salt Lake City, has overcome incredible odds to compete at the highest level. Originally from Minnesota, she discovered climbing at age 11 and quickly fell in love with the sport. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery for severe scoliosis, Condie returned stronger than ever, winning major competitions and earning a spot at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Known for her aggressive, dynamic style, she is a Bouldering World Cup finalist and remains a leading figure in U.S. climbing. Off the wall, she serves as an Athlete Director for USA Climbing, co-hosts a podcast and continues to inspire others with her resilience.

2. Nathan Chen (Figure Skating)

A Salt Lake City native, Nathan Chen ranks among the top figure skaters in the country. He made Olympic history at Beijing 2022, winning gold in the men’s event and the team competition, adding to his team bronze from PyeongChang 2018. A three-time world champion and six-time U.S. champion, Chen revolutionized the sport with his technical mastery, becoming the first skater to land five different quad jumps in competition. His record-breaking performances and dominance in the Grand Prix circuit cement his legacy as one of figure skating’s most decorated athletes.

3. Marybai Huking (Goalball)

Salt Lake City native Marybai Huking has excelled in the sport of goalball, a game designed for visually impaired athletes. A two-time Paralympian, she helped Team USA earn a bronze medal at Rio 2016 and a silver at Tokyo 2020. Huking was introduced to goalball in 2010 through the Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, transitioning from figure skating and becoming one of the sport’s top players. Off the court, she enjoys snowboarding, hiking and running with her guide dog.

4. Richard Bachman (Ice Hockey)

A talented goaltender from Salt Lake City, Richard Bachman made a name for himself in college before reaching the NHL. After an outstanding freshman season at Colorado College, he was drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2006 and later made his NHL debut in 2010. Over his professional career, Bachman played for the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks, as well as several AHL teams. Following his retirement from professional play, he transitioned into coaching and now serves as the goaltending coach for the Iowa Wild, helping develop the next generation of elite goalies.

5. Faye Gulini (Snowboarding)

Salt Lake City’s Faye Gulini has been a dominant force in snowboard cross for over a decade. She made her Olympic debut at just 17 years old at Vancouver 2010 and later finished fourth at Sochi 2014, marking the best result of her career. A consistent competitor in the World Championships, World Cups and X Games, she has racked up multiple World Cup podium finishes and remains one of the top U.S. riders in the sport. Off the slopes, Gulini is actively involved in organizations like Kids Play International and Wasatch Adaptive Sports, helping make outdoor sports more accessible.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.