Elite group of snowboarders set to soar at unique stadium event in Edmonton – Edmonton | 24CA News
“We don’t not think that it’s insane. It’s definitely crazy,” Jasmine Baird, a 23-year-old snowboarder who competed for Canada on the 2022 Olympics, stated about getting ready to launch herself off a colossal bounce constructed inside Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium. “But that’s why we do it — feel that adrenaline, do something different.”
Baird spoke to reporters at a news convention on Wednesday. She is amongst a number of the world’s greatest snowboarders who’re in Alberta’s capital for a Snowboard FIS World Cup Stadium Big Air occasion this Saturday, the primary time such an occasion has ever been held in Canada.
“It actually doesn’t look real,” Baird stated of the 147-metre lengthy ramp that was constructed on scaffolding that was erected contained in the stadium that usually hosts the CFL’s Edmonton Elks.
“I’m just in disbelief. This thing is huge.”
READ MORE: First-of-its-kind bounce constructed for snowboarding World Cup cease in Edmonton
Dubbed “The Style Experience,” Saturday’s occasion is billed by Canada Snowboard as a “spectator-and-entertainment-focused festival celebrating snowboard culture and style.”
Mark McMorris, a three-time Olympic bronze medallist, may even launch himself off the huge ramp Saturday and stated holding a stadium occasion like this in Canada will assist develop the game’s recognition.
“It’s definitely the future of getting more eyes (on the sport),” he stated, including that doesn’t imply snowboarding occasions will shift away from their pure setting within the mountains. “(People will) get inspired.”
The 28-year-old Canadian athlete stated since he arrived in Edmonton, he has seen “a buzz around the city.”
“There’s just a lot of excitement around here,” McMorris stated. “I think this is one way to show the sport to a new audience.”
READ MORE: Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium to host main snowboard occasion in December
Fourteen-year-old Eli Bouchard was granted an exemption to additionally participate in Saturday’s occasion as members are usually required to be at the very least 15 years previous.
The rising star is understood for being the youngest particular person on the earth to ever land a double backflip. He was simply eight years previous on the time.
Bouchard stated competing towards McMorris at his first-ever World Cup occasion has him very excited.
“It’s pretty sick because when I was young I was watching videos of him… trying tricks he does,” he stated.
A snowboarder assessments a large bounce at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium on Dec. 7, 2022.
Global News
Laurie Blouin, a 2018 Olympic silver medallist, stated Saturday might be her first time ever competing at a stadium occasion.
“The energy’s for sure different (with a big crowd),” the 26-year-old Canadian stated. “(I’m also) super excited to be in Canada… most of our contests are in Europe — so to not have jet lag and stuff like that, it’s like important.”
Several snowboarders supplied constructive first impressions after seeing the Commonwealth Stadium bounce. Construction on the ramp started late final month.
“A lot of times you’ll show up and it’s barely done,” McMorris stated of jumps constructed on scaffolding. “These guys have had it going really well this whole build, and it looks like you could compete on it today.
“Very impressed with what they’ve done here.”
McMorris added that even skilled snowboarders usually discover that jumps constructed on scaffolding “tend to be a little bit harder.”
“Scaffolding is definitely a little bit scarier,” he stated. “You’ve got to make sure your stuff is completely dialled if you want to bring it to a jump like this.”
Baird stated being nervous to arrange for such jumps is just not a nasty factor, however remaining assured is vital to see success on them.
“Do your tricks over and over, get them on lock… Just have that confidence,” she stated. “The biggest thing is figuring out the speed… after that, go for it.
“It’s just, like, such a good feeling — literally flying. Like, I’ve been skydiving before — it’s kind of like that.”
McMorris stated he believes Saturday’s World Cup occasion will go over extraordinarily properly with Edmontonians.
“Everyone out here in Edmonton loves winter sports,” he stated, noting the a number of native ski hills close by and declaring that the Rocky Mountains are comparatively shut
by.
READ MORE: Fun issues to do in Edmonton this winter
“I’m super excited,” Baird stated. “(Crowds at stadium events) bring up the energy so much. Everyone’s so hyped… It just makes it so much more fun.”
© 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
