HUMAN

Name: Athena Barber
Age: 36
Residence: Fairbanks, Alaska
Occupation: Photographer
Years involved with Iditarod: First year
Iditarod Role: Assistant photographer to Jeff Schultz
Current Location: Wasilla, Alaska at the Iditarod Head Quarters, Vet checks

Date of Photo: FEBRUARY 26, 2025
Temperature: 33F

What, who or how and when did you first get involved with the Iditarod?:

I got involved with the Iditarod because when I was in about ninth grade, I was invited to come to a dog race and I was terrified of dogs my whole life, so I refused to go, but it was something that had always just been on me, like, “Okay, well find a way to get to the next Iditarod.” And when I started taking pictures, I just kind of fell in love with the idea that one day I could be a photographer at the Iditarod and kind of make up for not going that one year.

What is your Why? Why are you here TODAY and involved with the Iditarod?

 

I’m here today and involved Iditarod because I love being around people. I love recognizing the behind the scenes people and what they do and how they treat the animals and each other, and it’s just this beautiful community that I’m already getting to see and love.

Tell me about your most memorable Iditarod experiences?:

One of the most memorable Iditarod experiences for me would be today, just the environment, the energy here, it’s great, and I just love seeing all the smiles.

What do you know for sure?:

What I know for sure in life is that we’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so we have to live each day to the fullest and never say no to ourselves.