Note: The following is an excerpt from FREESKIER’s Sarah Burke Remembrance issue. Sarah passed away on January 19, 2012, from injuries sustained in a skiing accident on January 10 of that same year. Today, we continue to #celebratesarah; visit https://sarahburkefoundation.com/ for information on how you can honor Sarah’s legacy.

On January 19, 2012, the skiing world changed in an abrupt and tragic way when Sarah Burke—freeskiing’s queen and inspiration to countless skiers—passed away after succumbing to injuries suffered during a routine training session at Park City. Sarah’s passing dealt a crushing blow to the freeskiing community. The industry lost a guiding light in Sarah, a beautiful reflection of what a professional skier—and person—could be.

Sarah was there in freeskiing’s ragtag beginning, competing at big airs and US Opens of yore. She was the principal figure in getting the women’s halfpipe event added to the X Games—and then in getting women’s slopestyle included five years later. Never content with “good enough,” she led by example, building her legacy with X Games medals, an FIS Globe, an ESPY, Dew Tour wins, US Open titles, Euro Open victories, multiple film segments, SOTY awards… The list goes on and on and is a testament to her remarkable talent.

But our idols are not measured in wins and trophies. Yes, Sarah was a champion, but she was so much more than a list of achievements. She was a kind soul, warming any room she entered. She was a generous veteran, mentoring the next generation of skiers. She was a graceful competitor, experiencing victory and defeat with equal poise. She was feisty, attacking each day with extraordinary zest and vigor. She was beautiful, intoxicating everyone who caught a glimpse of her. In essence, she was the best of us. An excellent teacher, a lofty role model, a boisterous supporter, and the best friend anyone could have asked for. The smile she flashed so often lured us in, and we never wanted to let go—even now, when tragedy has taken her from us.

Sarah’s legacy and inspiration will never fade. She will live on. In our hearts and our memories. At the top of mountains and the bottom of halfpipes, we will think of her and smile.

In what little way we can, we pay reverence to you, Sarah. Thank you for all you’ve given us.

—Shay Williams, former managing editor, FREESKIER magazine

Related: Canada to issue postage stamps Feb. 3 honoring the late Sarah Burke