For the majority of my last 3 years, I have primarily been focusing on my preparation, training, traveling, and competing in the Freeride World Tour qualifiers series. A series of events, ranging from 2* to 3* and 4*, where you compete against some of the best athletes in the freeride world of skiing and snowboarding. The goal is to gain points with your results, which will help you make it to the finals (8 women snowboarders get into the finals – Challenger series) and potentially qualify for the World Tour. 1 woman alone, gets to qualify for the tour. This means you need to win the Challenger series (finals) to advance to the Freeride World Tour.
I have been doing the tour on both the Southern and Northern hemispheres, chasing winter on both ends. Sacrificing my summers, most of my resources, energy, and sunlight. Several podiums, 1st place finishes, and my qualification to the finals don’t speak to how good I am as an athlete, but rather my dedication and determination.
I was never that kid who was extremely good at everything she did. Quite the opposite, I had to work hard to be good at sports, and nothing (maybe climbing) ever came easy to me. Growing up with two brothers, competitiveness was a big part of our childhood, and they are two very talented athletes, let me tell you! Extra frustrating when you are working really hard on a simple backflip, that your little bro lands on his first try.
But it was most likely my brothers that I have made me as competitive as I am today. Being competitive is good for someone like me who is on her journey to pursue a career in professional snowboarding. But nobody talks about the comparison that comes with it. Comparing yourself to other people whose journey, their story, and their timelines are completely different than yours.
It’s tough to see yourself in one place and watch someone else who you perceive as “an equal” progress quicker, or better than you. It destroys your motivation and it can be frustrating.
I have met a lot of girls on tour who have had similar goals to mine, but talking to them helped me realize we are all on our own paths and even though we might be competing together in one thing, we live different lives and different instances, people and places brought us to that exact moment. It actually becomes kind of empowering when you realize that.
Back in August, I witnessed and been a part of, one of the kindest acts a woman can do for another woman in the ski industry. It took me by surprise and I will forever be grateful. I got a new sponsor because another snowboarder recommended me to the manager. I’m not sure why it took me by surprise but it completely changed my perspective on a few things.
It’s simple. Empowered women – empower women.
Jealous, small-minded, and insecure people will only think of themselves, and see everyone else as the enemy.
What does it take to compete on the freeride world tour circuit? It takes resilience, determination, and the ability to self-reflect and take criticism as something positive.
