Not everyone can say they’ve competed on the world’s biggest stage—twice. But for Meghan Daniels, a two-time Winter Olympian in snowboard cross, the adventure didn’t stop after the games. These days, you’re more likely to find her helping clients find their dream home in Arvada than carving down an icy course at breakneck speeds.
“I took a break from snowboarding to be a mom,” Meghan says, “and I just felt ready to try something new. I’d always been interested in real estate, and it felt like the right time to dive in.”
That transition—from elite athlete to local realtor—may sound like a leap, but for Meghan, it’s rooted in the same principles: hard work, determination, and a genuine connection with people. “The work ethic I developed as an athlete carries over completely. I approach real estate with the same mindset: set a goal, stay disciplined, and see it through.”
Meghan doesn’t measure success by volume or fast sales. “For me, it’s all about trust. I want people to feel confident I’m helping them find the right house, not just any house,” she says. “It’s the same way I’d want someone to approach it if they were helping me.”
Balancing roles is nothing new for Meghan. As a mom, realtor, and Olympian, she credits her ability to juggle it all to a supportive husband and a healthy outlook. “I work hard toward my goals, but I’ve also learned not to put too much pressure on myself. I try to enjoy the process and be okay with whatever outcome comes.”
Her outlook is echoed in how she defines adventure, fitting for the magazine’s theme this month. “It doesn’t have to be something grand,” she says. “Adventure, for me, is anything that feels freeing. It might just be trying something new, or even just having time that feels like a vacation.”
Although she has taken a break from her Olympian days, that spirit hasn’t disappeared. “I’m still competitive,” she laughs. “In real estate, I want to get the best deal for my clients. That part of me doesn’t just go away, it has just shifted toward serving others.”
It’s clear Meghan has settled into Arvada with intention and appreciation. “We moved here on a whim, honestly,” she says. “But it ended up being one of the best decisions. Arvada has this slower pace of life, but you’re still close to everything. People are friendly, there’s a real sense of community, and everything you need is nearby.”
When she’s not showing homes or closing deals, you’ll likely find Meghan outside. “I love the Ralston Creek Trail. We’ll go biking or take the kids walking there. And I’ve always had a soft spot for Golden and Lookout Mountain. I still have to shout out Vail too, it’s where I trained and raced for so long. It’ll always feel like home.”
Reflecting on her time as an Olympian, Meghan is quick to point out that it was never a solo journey. “People always think of the athlete, but it’s really a collective effort. I had so much support from my family, my husband, my friends. Being an Olympian is about more than just talent, it’s about community, resilience, and gratitude.”
For younger readers dreaming of Olympic gold, Meghan offers honest advice: “Work hard. Put everything into it. And know that even if the outcome isn’t what you hoped for, you can be proud of the effort and take the lessons you have learned to improve. That’s what really matters.”
She also draws on lessons from a favorite book, Inner Excellence. “It helped me learn to let go a bit, to trust that things happen for a reason. Setbacks are just chances to reflect and grow.”
As Meghan continues to carve her path in Arvada, she remains grounded by the same qualities that brought her to the Olympic stage: drive, humility, and heart. Whether she’s walking a trail with her kids or helping a client open the door to their first home, she’s living proof that adventure takes many forms and sometimes, it starts right where you are.
"Being an Olympian is more than talent, it’s about community, resilience, gratitude.”
"Adventure, for me, is anything that feels freeing."