Canadian Snowboarder Mark McMorris Aims for New Medal Color at Fourth Olympics
Three-time Olympic bronze medalist Mark McMorris has set his sights on a different shade of medal as he prepares for his fourth Olympic appearance at the Milano Cortina Games in Italy this month. The 32-year-old Canadian snowboarder, who has consistently won bronze in slopestyle at the 2014 Sochi, 2018 Pyeongchang, and 2022 Beijing Olympics, expressed his desire for an upgrade while training in Livigno, Italy.
Pride in Past Achievements and Ambition for the Future
McMorris stated, "I'm super proud of all three that I have. But I mean, if I ride to the best of my ability and I get a different shade of medal, that would be freaking awesome." His journey to this point has been marked by resilience, having overcome severe injuries from a 2017 crash that included a broken jaw, left arm, ruptured spleen, pelvic fracture, rib fractures, and a collapsed lung.
Despite these challenges, McMorris feels fit and confident heading into the competition. He recently secured a first-place finish in slopestyle at an X Games event, which he described as a "huge boost in mental confidence." He added, "I've been putting in a ton of hard work. I was just waiting for it to kind of kick back at me, and it kicked back at an awesome event."
Preparation and Outlook for the Milano Cortina Games
As one of the older competitors in snowboarding, McMorris emphasized his physical readiness and enjoyment of the sport. "My body's responding well to lots of riding, and I'm having fun, so looking forward to it," he said. He will compete in both big air events, starting on Thursday, and later in the slopestyle, showcasing his versatility and experience.
Reflecting on his fourth Olympic appearance, McMorris noted, "To be at a fourth Olympics was not an easy feat, but I'm happy to be here." He aims to leave a legacy as "someone that always left it all out on the hill," prioritizing effort over outcomes.
Focus on Performance Over Results
McMorris highlighted that his primary goal is to perform at his peak, regardless of the medal outcome. "Ride to the best of my ability and I will be extremely proud, proud of any which way it unfolds," he remarked. This mindset underscores his dedication to the sport and his journey from injury setbacks to Olympic contention.
The Canadian athlete's story is one of perseverance and ambition, as he seeks to add a new color to his medal collection while inspiring others with his resilience and passion for snowboarding.
