What It Takes to Become a Snowboarding Champion

Childhood dreams do come true, yet the journey of getting where we want is not an easy one. Anke Woehrer dreamt of becoming a snowboarding Olympic Champion and she did. Close to the start of her third Winter Olympic Games participation, we have challenged her to look back. With genuine kindness she shared with us a few thoughts based on her personal experience, for those thinking of choosing a sports career.   

GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING AN ATHLETIC CAREER

Committing to a career, regardless of the field, is a very serious thing. It would be advisable not to go into banking, if all you can think of is your acceptance speech for the Academy Awards ceremony. An athletic career may present a few more challenges than most occupations, but here are the perks, if you do decide to commit to the sports. 

TRAINING YOUR MUSCLES FOR SNOWBOARDING ...

I wonder if you can guess what the most important muscles to train for snowboarding are? It’s fine if you don’t know, Anke Woehrer will tell you and, after all she knows best! Did I mention that she is an Olympic medallist in snowboarding? 😊

DEALING WITH INJURIES ...

How many broken bones have you had? How long did it take you to recover? Did you promise yourself that next time you will watch out for the steps or you will not run after busses anymore to prevent another potentially painful incident? Have you ever wondered how many injuries an athlete is likely to experience throughout their career? How with just one wrong move their whole lives can take a 180 degree-turn? Watch Anke Woehrer explain how injuries have affected her and what the recovery period means for a top athlete.

Staying Calm under Pressure 

Staying calm under pressure is tough, but as you evolve and learn about yourself it almost becomes easier to manage your emotions. Here are a few ideas we pulled together from a quick Google search:

• Slow down. If possible, don't react immediately.

• Stay positive. When stressful situations occur your mind tends to go in a thousand directions and some of your thoughts may be negative.

• Never ask “what if?”

• Call a trusted friend or mentor.

• Disconnect.

Now picture an athlete before a big race and see how many of the above apply to them. What is the game changer when it comes to keeping her cool for Anke Woehrer? 

Author: Delia Dobritoiu

MORE STORIES WITH ANKE & JAWS, HER SIBERIAN HUSKY

Please allow Anke and Jaws to tell you their secrets and stories as Champion and Pet through a series of clips, articles, GIFs and memes we prepared for you here at Discovery’s Pets of Champions! And, if you want to learn even more about them follow Anke’s social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.