“We don’t think it’s crazy. It’s definitely crazy. Jasmine Baird, a 23-year-old snowboarder who represented Canada at the 2022 Olympics, said she was preparing to take off from a colossal jump built inside Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium. “But that’s why we do it – feel that adrenaline, do something different.”
Baird spoke to reporters at a press conference on Wednesday. She is among the world’s top snowboarders who are in Alberta’s capital for a Big Air event at the FIS Snowboard World Cup stadium this Saturday, the first time such an event has taken place in Canada.
“It actually doesn’t feel real,” Baird said of the 147-yard-long ramp that was built on scaffolding that was erected inside the stadium that normally hosts the Edmonton Elks from the CFL.
“I’m just in disbelief. This thing is huge.
READ MORE: First-of-its-kind ski jump built for Edmonton Snowboard World Cup stop
Dubbed “The Style Experience”, Saturday’s event is billed by Canada Snowboard as a “spectator and entertainment driven festival celebrating snowboarding culture and style”.
Marc McMorristhree-time Olympic bronze medalist, will also launch off the massive ramp on Saturday and said hosting an event at a stadium like this in Canada would help boost the popularity of the sport.
“It’s definitely the future to have more eyes (on the sport),” he said, adding that this doesn’t mean snowboarding events will move away from their natural setting in the mountains. . “(People are) going to be inspired.”
The 28-year-old Canadian athlete said that since arriving in Edmonton he has noticed “a buzz around town”.
“There’s just a lot of excitement here,” McMorris said. “I think it’s a way to show the sport to a new audience.”
READ MORE: Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium to Host Major Snowboarding Event in December
Eli Bouchard, 14, was granted an exemption to also participate in Saturday’s event, as participants normally must be at least 15 years old.
The rising star is known for being the youngest person in the world to pull off a double backflip. He was only eight years old at the time.
Bouchard said facing McMorris at his first-ever World Cup was very exciting for him.
“It’s pretty sick because when I was young I used to watch videos of him…trying tricks that he does,” he said.
A skateboarder tests a massive jump at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton on December 7, 2022.
World News
Laurie BlouinOlympic silver medalist in 2018, said Saturday would be her first appearance at a stadium event.
“The energy is definitely different (with a big crowd),” said the 26-year-old Canadian. “(I’m also) super excited to be in Canada… most of our competitions are in Europe – so not having jet lag and stuff like that is like important.”
Several snowboarders offered positive first impressions after seeing the jump from Commonwealth Stadium. Construction of the ramp began late last month.
“A lot of times you show up and it’s barely done,” McMorris said of the jumps built on scaffolding. “These guys did this whole build really well, and it looks like you could compete on it today.
“Very impressed with what they’ve done here.”
McMorris added that even experienced snowboarders generally find jumps built on scaffolds “tend to be a bit more difficult.”
“Scaffolding is definitely a little scarier,” he said. “You have to make sure your material is fully dialed in if you want to take it to a jump like this.”
Baird said being nervous about preparing for such jumps isn’t a bad thing, but staying confident is key to success.
“Do your tricks over and over, lock them down… Just have that confidence,” she said. “The most important thing is to determine 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 said he believes Saturday’s World Cup will go extremely well with the Edmontonians.
“Everyone here in Edmonton loves winter sports,” he said, noting the many nearby local ski hills and pointing out that the Rocky Mountains are relatively close.
by.
READ MORE: Fun things to do in Edmonton this winter
“I’m super excited,” Baird said. “(Crowds at stadium events) get the energy up so much. Everyone is so excited… It just makes it so much more fun.
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