MLB Ski Service

02/11/2013

Aksel Lund Svindal skied what some are calling a near-perfect line over icy, difficult conditions to win the World Championships downhill title on the infamous Planai run near Schladming, Austria. “The game plan was to be pushing all the way down the last pitch, then be tactical at two gates there and push hard again,” explained the Swix-sponsored (gloves & poles), Norwegian athlete following his run. The title marks Svindal’s eleventh major championship and caps a season that was pointed with success this year from the very start. Prior to entering the World Championships, Svindal won four World Cup events this year. The win is Svindal’s second downhill championship, his first coming six years ago in Are, Sweden. "Since the start of the season, I have had fun, I managed to take risks, I have confidence in my skiing. In a one-day race, you have to take your chance and that's what I did."
Competition resumes for the men’s alpine world cup in Garmish-Partenkirchen, Germany.

For her part, skiing superstar Julia Mancuso overcame injury and a slump in her technique to claim the bronze medal in the Super-G at the World Championships. She started her run minutes after American teammate Lindsey Vonn was airlifted off the course with a season ending knee injury. Mancuso’s podium was a consolation for the US team, but they still hunt for more, "I am happy with a third place but the next goal is to get that gold,” explained the Reno, Nevada native. The women’s alpine world cup resumes in two weeks in Meribel, France.

01/09/2013

SNOWEASTMAGAZINE.COM

2/19/2013

US Aerial National Team's Alex Bowen on Mental Preparation

Hi my name is Alex Bowen, and I'm on the United States Aerial Ski Team. If you don't know anything about aerial skiing, it's basically gymnastic acrobatics with skis on your feet. We aerialists ski into a 13 foot high, 65 degree jump around 40 miles an hour, and go upwards about 45 feet. To do this we need to be completely mentally ready, because there is little room for error.

First of all if you're not having fun while doing a sport, that's a distraction within itself. The biggest reason I do aerial skiing is, because I absolutely love it! Relaxing prior to doing your jump is very important to a successful jump. When I myself get too scared I lose focus on the small goals I need to do every time as I'm coming off the jump. One of the most helpful pep talks I can give myself is that "this isn't a big deal, I do this all the time, the jump does most of the work, and I wouldn't want to be working a real job right now". Mentally seeing and feeling what you are about to perform can be just as good of a training tool as launching off the jump itself. Getting nervous happens all the time, but if you can resort back to mental visualization that can be the confidence booster you need.

Now right before I'm about to go, I remind myself of a couple keywords that will help me do my best. I usually tell myself something along the lines "stay tight and go with the curve". These two reminders help me ride off the jump smoothly. Then when it comes time to turn and go you have to be in the zone. What only matters is the movements you are about to perform to make this the best jump you can do.

Good luck!

Alex

Photo by: Eric Loughran

3/02/2013