Army Soldier Achieves 20-Year Dream Racing for Team USA

Twenty years after writing about his dream in a middle school assignment, U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Burns is racing down mountains for Team USA in giant slalom snowboarding.

In 2002, seventh grader Robert Burns chose an assignment topic that would shape his life. He wrote about American snowboarder Chris Klug's bronze medal and added a prediction: "When I get older, I want to represent the USA in giant slalom snowboarding."

Burns grew up in Northern California in a military family. His father served nearly 40 years, and both grandfathers fought in World War II. From age two, he was on skis, and by nine, he had his first snowboard.

He competed internationally starting in 2013 and won two national championships in giant slalom. In 2022, exactly 20 years after that assignment, he competed on the world stage.

But Burns wanted to serve his country too. In 2024, he found a way to pursue both dreams through the Army's World Class Athlete Program, which helps top soldier-athletes compete internationally while serving.

After completing basic training, Burns joined the program as an infantryman. The Army provides his salary, health benefits, elite coaching, physical therapy, and nutritional support. His fiancée, Staff Sgt. Deedra Irwin, is also a WCAP athlete competing in biathlon.

Before enlisting, Burns worked as a hotshot firefighter in Northern California, battling major wildfires with hand tools and chainsaws. He sees clear connections between firefighting, snowboarding, and infantry work: all require intense focus and self-belief.

"If you want something and you're willing to work for it, you can make it a reality," he says.

Why This Inspires

Burns applies Army training to his snowboarding in powerful ways. When exhaustion hits during competition travel or tough training days, he remembers what drill instructors taught: "Take a knee, take a drink of water." That simple pause, rather than quitting, can reset everything.

He stays connected to his purpose by reflecting on his journey from childhood dreams to serving his country. When performance dips or travel gets relentless, remembering his "why" keeps him moving forward.

The lesson extends beyond sports. Burns proves that childhood dreams don't have expiration dates, and serving others doesn't mean abandoning personal goals.

Nearly 600 athletes have competed through WCAP since 1997, earning over 120 medals while serving their country. Burns is now among them, living proof that patience, focus, and commitment can turn a seventh grade essay into reality.