U.S. Olympic Snowboarders Employ Diverse Methods to Manage Pre-Competition Nerves

Conquering the Drop: How Olympic Snowboarders Manage Pre-Competition Fear

Olympic snowboarders frequently experience fear at the top of competition runs. U.S. snowboarder Sean FitzSimons, who competes in Big Air and Slopestyle, acknowledged consistent apprehension, particularly regarding potential injury when performing new, larger tricks on unfamiliar jumps. The Big Air ramp is 55 meters tall.

To manage nerves, elite U.S. snowboarders develop specific pre-competition rituals involving music and physical practices.

Athlete Strategies

His pump-up playlist typically starts with Metallica's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and transitions into other bands like Alice in Chains.

She receives motivational input from her coaches and sings pop songs by artists such as Doja Cat or Natasha Bedingfield before her halfpipe runs.

He initiates each run with three claps and a small ollie. Barbieri also views photos of his cat, Bella, sent by his mother, stating it helps him stay calm. This practice has earned him the nickname "Kitty Kitty Meow Meow" from teammate Chase Josey.

He incorporates qigong, an ancient Chinese energy practice involving meditation in motion, before riding sessions to achieve focus and calm his nerves.

He confirmed that the entire U.S. men's halfpipe team practices qigong. Josey described the practice as a way to "collect energy" and "harness universal power" to perform gracefully. Coaches have also participated in the "cloud hands" qigong exercise, which Josey noted helps alleviate pressure and promotes focused breathing.