Courtney Rummel: “Once-in-a-lifetime experience”

How did you start snowboarding? Did you practise other sports?

I started snowboarding because my brother did it. I played tennis for several years until I started snowboarding all year round.

Are your parents involved in sports?

My parents are both very active and are also very involved in my snowboarding. They support me with everything I accomplish.

How would you describe West Bend, Wisconsin, where you come from?

It’s a very small town, very flat.

Is there one coach who has been important in your career? 

There are two important coaches that I have. Adam Junio is my private coach, who I’ve been riding with since I was eight, and who spends most winters with me training me in Colorado. Nichole Mason is my US team coach who I rely on during competitions to get my headspace right and help me come up with runs to be the best I can be in those competitions. Both of them have helped me come so far in snowboarding and mean so much to me.

When did you realise you could become a champion?

When I was named on the US team, I realised I had a future in snowboarding.

Is it easy to combine your studies and snowboarding? 

No, it takes a lot of discipline to stay on top of my studies, especially while I am travelling.

What is your ambition in your sporting career?

To be one of the best athletes in my field and to be able to have a long career in snowboarding.

What do you like about your sport?

I love being outside in the mountains, I love travelling and seeing the world to compete in different places. I love the energy I get when I am snowboarding.

Did you have an idol growing up?

Marcus Kleveland, a two-time X-Games winner, has been my idol growing up for a while now.

You do big air and slopestyle; do you have a preference?

I enjoy practising slopestyle more because I like having a full course of rails and jumps. I don’t like having to rely on one jump.

What do you consider to be your best results so far?

For the last two years I have been on the podium on the Rev Tour. I won the Park City Rev Tour and I was also excited to place fifth at the Junior Worlds in Sweden in big air.

What are your favourite tricks?

My favourite tricks are cab 5 and backside spinning.

What are you expecting from the Youth Olympic Games?

I expect to have a once-in-a-lifetime, amazing experience.

Do you know some of your rivals?

Yes, I know almost all of the girls and they are fantastic people. Everyone you meet is so friendly.