Q&A MAX PARROT
Q You finished fifth in Sochi when slopestyle made its Olympic debut. Looking back, how do you feel about it?
A The Olympics is the biggest contest, with millions of viewers. It was a really great experience; I did land the run I wanted to do in the finals, so I was happy with that. I didn’t hop on the podium, and I’m a little disappointed about that, but I have changed so much in four years. I have new game strategies, new people that are surrounding me, and my teammates are helping me to have better results. I think I’m going to Pyeongchang in a really good position.
Q Your parents were reluctant to let you snowboard because they thought it was dangerous. When did they get over that? Have they got over that?
A I don’t think they have gotten over that yet. Sometimes when my dad watches me on TV, he goes away. My mom tells me he’s going to go take a walk in the streets and come back, and then he asks, “Did he land it?” It’s an extreme sport, and my parents love me, so they want the best for me. They do know, though, that my whole training is behind that and I explained to them all my theories and how it all works. So they’re more aware that the danger is not actually super high.
Q When you do wipe out, it looks so awful in your sport. How badly bruised do you end up, how much does it hurt to hit the snow?
A When I wipe out, for sure it hurts in the moment, but not really. I believe my muscles are like airbags, so they protect me from my bones. Most of the time I bail and come back up. And actually, you know when you’re going to bail. You’re in the air and you know, “Oh s---, I don’t have enough speed,” or “I’m going too far,” so you kind of expect it and can place yourself in a good position where it’s not going to hurt too much.