It’s Winter Olympics eve! Yes we know the Opening Ceremony isn’t until Friday but for whatever random reason the women’s slopestyle is kicking off its qualification bright & breezy tomorrow, as you’ll know from having tattooed our schedule to your inner arm. So it’s time to stop hating and get frothing over Sochi, to get you in the mood here are 9 riders (6 of who will be competing tomorrow morning see * and Hannah Teter will be in action next Wednesday) on why they love the Winter Olympics
1. AIMEE FULLER*
I am really excited to show the world our sport Snowboard Slopestyle, I think that in itself is a reason to love the Winter Olympic Games, slopestyle is so fun and I enjoyed watching London 2012 so much, it got me buzzing and I hope Sochi will do the same.
2. HANNAH TETER
I love the Winter Olympics because it’s an amazing experience. I snowboard because I love it, like everyone praying for powder days. Snowboarding is my way of life, but when it comes to competition, there is no greater stage and there are no greater stakes than at the Winter Olympics. It’s the ultimate rush to stand up there and drop into what is hopefully the run of your life.
3. KJERSTI BUAAS*
There’s a great amount of positive vibes going into the Winter Olympics. People that do similar things, the community of sports, being a part of a group that loves playing sport so much so that they dedicated all their time to it. Being part of the Norwegian side is fun too and there’s pride in that for sure.
4. TORAH BRIGHT*
I love Australia and going to the Olympics and wearing national uniform and being a team, it’s pretty awesome. I was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony in Vancouver 2010 and that was a pretty big honour and one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had.
5. SARKA PANCOCHOVA*
I like the Winter Olympics because it is such a big deal and tradition for the whole world. It makes you feel really special to be part it. Knowing that millions of people are watching the riders take their runs. I get to represent my country in a way I don’t usually do. They help me a lot so it’s nice to give back. And I think at the end of the day it’s good for snowboarding as a sport. We get a lot of publicity and exposure. Snowboarding is very popular at the Winter Olympics and we are the ones who are representing it here in Sochi so we should be proud.
6. JAMIE ANDERSON*
I love the Winter Olympics because it’s the most historic and
oldest event in sports…
I’m embracing the challenge of competing and riding on this massive slopestyle course with all this ‘Olympic buzz’ around, its been an interesting but fantastic experience so far and I am very humbled by it all. I am proud to be here in Sochi representing New Zealand.
8. ELENA HIGHT
What I love most about the Winter Olympics is the patriotic pride that fills every athlete that you watch on TV. There is so much pride and gratitude that is portrayed through the athletes that I think really generates pride throughout the world as they watch and root on their country’s athletes. You can really feel the emotion, even through your TV screen, and that definitely doesn’t happen on every athletic stage.
I love the Winter Olympics because they provide the ultimate stage and one off chance to showcase snowboarding in whatever way the individual riders choose to do that. There has been a lot of concentrated effort put in by a lot of people by the time all the riders get to the starting point of the Winter Olympics and I love to see the result of all the hard work and focus and really watch snowboarding, and this time freeski as well, progress before my eyes. It is very exciting!
