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As snowflakes swirl around the slopes of Livigno, anticipation builds for the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics. Veteran snowboarder Mark McMorris is poised to take center stage. With three bronze medals in slopestyle from the last three Olympic Games, McMorris is on a mission to claim the coveted gold. At 32, he enters this competition not only as a seasoned athlete but also as a symbol of perseverance and dedication.
Born in Regina, Canada, McMorris has built an exceptional career. His recent triumph at the X Games further solidifies his status. Winning a gold medal in slopestyle on January 25 marked his 25th podium appearance, a record for winter athletes. Yet, despite his accolades, the Olympic gold remains elusive. McMorris is ready to change that narrative.
The evidence
McMorris first burst onto the Olympic scene in 2014 during the Sochi Games, where he secured his first bronze medal in slopestyle. Since then, he has consistently returned to the Games, collecting bronze medals in Pyeongchang and Beijing. Each experience has been unique, but the absence of a gold medal has left him yearning for more. Reflecting on his journey, McMorris states, “I’ve enjoyed my career immensely, but a gold medal would be the ultimate reward.”
His determination stems from an understanding that his sport transcends medals. Snowboarding is not merely a competition for him; it’s a way of life he embraced long before it became an Olympic event. He notes the difference between the visibility and recognition gained from the X Games and the Olympics, asserting, “Not everyone’s grandma knows about the X Games, but they sure as hell know about the Olympics.”
The reconstruction
As McMorris gears up for the big air competition set to begin on February 5, he remains focused on his performance rather than the outcomes dictated by judges. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the ride and performing at his best, which he believes will ultimately lead to success. “In a judged sport, I can only control my actions,” he explains, acknowledging the unpredictability of the judging process.
With the slopestyle qualifications following shortly after on February 15, McMorris is aware of the weight of expectations on his shoulders. He has noted the influx of new talent in Canadian snowboarding, including younger athletes like Liam Brearley and Cam Spalding, who are also vying for Olympic glory. Despite this, McMorris feels no pressure to prove himself; instead, he embraces the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious platform.
Key players
Reflecting on his Olympic journey, McMorris acknowledges that the road to success is often fraught with challenges. At the Beijing Olympics, he left feeling unsatisfied after earning bronze while his teammate Max Parrot claimed gold. He felt that an error by the judges overlooked an important aspect of his performance. Nevertheless, he learned valuable lessons about sportsmanship and maintaining a positive attitude under pressure. “You have to take the highs with the lows,” he admits, expressing gratitude for the experiences that have shaped him.
Now, as the last male slopestyle competitor from his Olympic debut, McMorris understands that the Milan Games could potentially mark the end of an era for him. He describes the Livigno hill as a “special place,” hinting at a possible farewell to his Olympic journey. However, he remains optimistic about the future and the potential for new events in subsequent Olympics, keeping his options open.
The implications
McMorris’s recent victory at the X Games, where he outperformed fellow Olympians, showcases that he is still at the peak of his abilities. His passion for snowboarding remains undiminished, and he views this upcoming Olympic opportunity as a bonus rather than a necessity. “I feel like it’s a testament to my longevity in the sport,” he reflects, emphasizing the importance of enjoying every moment.
As the countdown to the Milano Cortina Olympics continues, McMorris is ready to embrace the challenge, pushing himself to deliver his best performance yet. Whether he walks away with a gold medal or not, his legacy as a pioneer in snowboarding is already secured, inspiring future generations of athletes.