The Olympics are underway! It’s so exciting to see these athletes, who have trained their entire lives for this moment finally competing. I had the chance to talk to snowboarder Maddie Mastro just a week before the Olympics began. Maddie Mastro, a 17-year-old snowboarding superstar, is sure to tear it up on the course, hoping to bring home the gold for Team USA.
Southern California girl Maddie Mastro has a bag of tricks that includes Haakonflips, cripplers and McTwists.
In 2016 she made the finals at the Winter Dew Tour, earned her first X Games invite (she placed seventh at Aspen, fourth at Oslo) and scored podium finishes at both Grand Prix halfpipe events (third at Mammoth, second at Park City).
Though Maddie hails from the small resort of Mountain High in Southern California, she now rides on the U.S. Snowboarding team along with the Mammoth Mountain team.
With the Olympics only a week or so away, how does your training regimen change? Do you train harder or just ease back so there are no injuries?
I’ve been competing in a bunch of qualifying competitions and events in the last few months so I’ve tried to keep my preparation and training regimen the same recently. I work with a nutritionist to make sure I’m eating the right foods and staying hydrated throughout the day. I always have a BodyArmor Lyte with me because it tastes great, is packed with potassium and electrolytes, and is naturally sweetened
What’s your mentality only a week away from the big games? Are you nervous?
Sure, I’m a little nervous. But I’m going to try to enjoy the entire Olympics experience and try to look at the contest as just another contest like I’ve done all season long.
Who do you feel your biggest competition is and what do you do to prepare to compete against this person?
At this level, all the girls are amazing riders. We all push each other and challenge each other to try new things. I think, for me, my focus is more on my riding than what other riders are doing. And landing my runs.
How does the feeling of competing in the Olympic Games differ from being invited to the X-Games to you?
Both are a privilege to be able to do. X Games happen every year and the Olympics every four. To me, the biggest difference is that the Olympics is much more than a contest, you’re there to represent your country. It’s an amazing event which brings athletes from around the world together to not only share their passion for their sport but their culture, their language, and their uniqueness. The Olympics is just really special, something I’ve dreamed about doing, and its a little surreal that I’m going.
What do you think your biggest personal challenge is in the upcoming games — is it a particular trick (which one), overcoming fears or apprehension etc. How are you working to overcome them?I’m trying to approach it like any other contest, and sticking to my routine. There is always the challenge of landing your run, and for me that’s something that’s always in the back of my mind. I try not to focus too much on a particular trick but more on the entire run.
What other Olympians have you admired and why?
When I was younger Torah Bright was a huge influence on me. She rides with such power, yet she has amazing style and very technical runs. She’s also a very genuine and positive person to be around. Gretchen Bleiler is another rider I’ve looked up to, her crippler inspired me to learn inverted tricks.
Are there any particular pressures you’re feeling heading to the Olympics?
I think I put the most pressure on myself. I am my toughest critic. Of course, I want to do my best, and I’m going to do everything I can to accomplish that.
To find out more about Maddie Mastro, click here.
