I’ve found that if I can make subtle changes in my lifestyle with consistency, it can make a huge difference. Lots of people make big life-changing decisions in diet, exercise, or mental health but most choices are not sustainable long term. I try to live by the simple but lasting decisions.
Did that change when you stopped competing?
Honestly, not too much in my wellness and fitness has changed too much since I’ve retired. My workouts have definitely altered a bit, meaning I now only do the exercises I like doing [laughs].
It must be nice to have time for other interests outside of snowboarding, finding new ways of expressing yourself?
There’s only so many hours I could snowboard or skateboard in a day so even at a young age I’ve always loved spending time creating. Whether it’s working on new products, music, video projects, fashion, even interior design. It’s something I’ve always cared about. And now I find myself with a lot more time to spend in this arena, which has been super rewarding.
It’s interesting to see LVMH as a partner for Paris 2024. Has sport become more fashionable since you started out?
Absolutely, without a doubt. When my career as a professional athlete began decades ago, you didn’t really see any crossover between fashion and sport. I will say that my sport, snowboarding, wasn’t one of the main sports that luxury brands were paying attention to, but that’s changed now. I’d say most of the luxury brands are now offering ski and snowboard hard goods, like Moncler, Prada, Dior and Balenciaga. We are actually doing a collaboration with Moncler to create a WHITESPACE x Moncler limited edition snowboard! I don’t think something like this could have happened 10 years ago.
Be honest now, did what you wore when competing impact how you performed?
Anything that you do in sport starts with how you feel in the gear you’re in. How you look and what you’re wearing puts you in the right mental state to let you do your job well. It’s all a confidence builder. Even the colours you put on can exude your attitude.
