Vintage card celebrates Ski Hall of Fame pioneer

A winter sports icon remembered

February 7, 2026: In honor of the Winter Olympics getting underway, collectors and ski historians are revisiting a rare piece of sports history: the 1933 Goudey “Sports Kings” card featuring Olympic skier Ed Blood. Blood was one of America’s earliest alpine skiing pioneers, representing the nation during the sport’s formative international years.
Frozen history.

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From Olympic slopes to lasting influence

Ed Blood competed during a time when skiing lacked today’s global spotlight, yet his technique and competitive spirit helped legitimize alpine skiing as a serious international discipline. His Olympic participation placed American skiers on the world stage during an era dominated by European athletes.
Trailblazer status.

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Immortalized in cardboard

The 1933 Goudey Sports Kings series was groundbreaking for spotlighting athletes beyond baseball. Blood’s inclusion alongside boxers, golfers, and Olympians signaled skiing’s growing cultural relevance in the United States during the early 20th century.
Ahead of its time.

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Ski Hall of Fame recognition

Blood’s contributions extended beyond competition, earning him induction into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame. His legacy reflects not just medals or results, but foundational influence on the sport’s growth.
Legacy secured.

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Final thoughts

As the Winter Olympics begin once again, Ed Blood’s Goudey card serves as a reminder that today’s spectacle rests on the achievements of early pioneers who carved the first tracks.
History honored.

FAQs

Q1: Who was Ed Blood?
He was an Olympic alpine skier and early American skiing pioneer.

Q2: What is the 1933 Goudey Sports Kings card?
A vintage trading card series highlighting top athletes across multiple sports.

Q3: Why is Ed Blood significant in skiing history?
He helped establish competitive alpine skiing in the United States.

Q4: Was Ed Blood inducted into a Hall of Fame?
Yes, he is a member of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame.

Q5: Why is his card being revisited now?
The start of the Winter Olympics has renewed interest in early Olympic figures.