This week: 3 x Olympic snowboarder and programme manager for Park and Pipe at GB Snowsport Lesley McKenna shares her learnings from two decades at the heart of the Olympic snowboarding conversation.
Lol. Out of interest, how come you didn’t post this under your real name? I never understand that when it’s just a very normal comment about snowboarding.
This is one of the most reflective and analytical articles about the topic I have come across since Snowboarding has joined the Olympic program. As with many things in life, there are different ways to enjoy the same activity, environment or experience. Neither one should be considered right or wrong because, after all, an experience is very individual. Having been involved with snowboarding politics for more than 20 years, my approach has always been to build bridges as this will ultimately lead to more people „winning“. I dont think that the core snowboarding community has made a big mistake because instead of embracing the olympic pathway as a part and form of snowboarding and welcoming possibly positive change, people and organisations following their dream or collaborating have been alienated. It is already apparent that similar mistakes are being made (on both sides) in the new sports joining the rings movement like skateboarding or BMX Freestyle instead of learning from the experience Snowboarding has gone through.
Brilliant article, was really looking forward to hearing this podcast, as the first one was also of equal "thought chew" stoke levels. Also, as there was a bit of chat about the mystery person that left comments, I felt they were a bit off too, thought I'ld write in for some more balanced chat - first time. I reckon that your viewpoint is completely in line with how I see it too. I coach high performance in snowboarding, and have often let the athletes listen into these pod casts on looking sideways over long trips to / from competitions from a long time ago (thanks Matt!). And, sometimes feel that it's super ironic that people within the industry are almost putting others off from 'progressing', by calling out FIS - Olympic et al. I'm not saying these organisers are perfect at all, but, I can see that younger athletes struggle at times, as the supposed guardian's are slating the very thing that they cherish, as 'progression' has happened in astronomical bounds within these high performance pathway parts. I often remind that they should always respect anothers point of view, but also opinions are like arseholes, doesn't mean you're goanna like the smell of someone elses. And that these comments, are ultimately taken from an uneducated thought out context - to gain themselves more media and edge within the industry, fitting into the toxic clique headlines that sells, unfortunately within high adrenalin sports. The fortunate side, is there are a lot more positive ambassadors coming through and getting their voice out, plus, the toxicity that is there, only has room to grow positively from the depths that it has been. I hope with time it will soften, and our snowboard culture will evolve to a new epoque of celebration of the human spirited hardship and endeavours, valued for their story. And of course, this is along the full spectrum, not only from high performance, but also from peoples very first steps into participating, clicking in, falling down, getting back up and trying again. Supporting achievement on every level. I went on a bit of a ramble - aka Matt style - smiley face! Hope it all makes sense!
Lol. Out of interest, how come you didn’t post this under your real name? I never understand that when it’s just a very normal comment about snowboarding.
I think it comes across as the opposite of brave tbh. Especially when all you’re posting about is a very ordinary take on snowboarding.
I see.
This is one of the most reflective and analytical articles about the topic I have come across since Snowboarding has joined the Olympic program. As with many things in life, there are different ways to enjoy the same activity, environment or experience. Neither one should be considered right or wrong because, after all, an experience is very individual. Having been involved with snowboarding politics for more than 20 years, my approach has always been to build bridges as this will ultimately lead to more people „winning“. I dont think that the core snowboarding community has made a big mistake because instead of embracing the olympic pathway as a part and form of snowboarding and welcoming possibly positive change, people and organisations following their dream or collaborating have been alienated. It is already apparent that similar mistakes are being made (on both sides) in the new sports joining the rings movement like skateboarding or BMX Freestyle instead of learning from the experience Snowboarding has gone through.
Thanks Alex. I agree, I think it’s a nuanced and thought-provoking view, which is why I shared it.
Such a well thought out piece and such a great perspective.
Brilliant article, was really looking forward to hearing this podcast, as the first one was also of equal "thought chew" stoke levels. Also, as there was a bit of chat about the mystery person that left comments, I felt they were a bit off too, thought I'ld write in for some more balanced chat - first time. I reckon that your viewpoint is completely in line with how I see it too. I coach high performance in snowboarding, and have often let the athletes listen into these pod casts on looking sideways over long trips to / from competitions from a long time ago (thanks Matt!). And, sometimes feel that it's super ironic that people within the industry are almost putting others off from 'progressing', by calling out FIS - Olympic et al. I'm not saying these organisers are perfect at all, but, I can see that younger athletes struggle at times, as the supposed guardian's are slating the very thing that they cherish, as 'progression' has happened in astronomical bounds within these high performance pathway parts. I often remind that they should always respect anothers point of view, but also opinions are like arseholes, doesn't mean you're goanna like the smell of someone elses. And that these comments, are ultimately taken from an uneducated thought out context - to gain themselves more media and edge within the industry, fitting into the toxic clique headlines that sells, unfortunately within high adrenalin sports. The fortunate side, is there are a lot more positive ambassadors coming through and getting their voice out, plus, the toxicity that is there, only has room to grow positively from the depths that it has been. I hope with time it will soften, and our snowboard culture will evolve to a new epoque of celebration of the human spirited hardship and endeavours, valued for their story. And of course, this is along the full spectrum, not only from high performance, but also from peoples very first steps into participating, clicking in, falling down, getting back up and trying again. Supporting achievement on every level. I went on a bit of a ramble - aka Matt style - smiley face! Hope it all makes sense!
Thanks Martin, it makes total sense. Interesting that the mystery poster had deleted their comments as well, lol. Thanks for posting!