Olympics: Laurie Blouin Focuses on Future, Not Nostalgia
Laurie Blouin, a seasoned snowboarder, remains focused on her goals as she prepares for her last Olympic competition in Livigno, Italy. With just 48 hours until the slopestyle qualifications on February 16, the 29-year-old athlete is aware this marks her final appearance at the Olympic Games, but she hasn’t allowed nostalgia to overwhelm her thoughts.
Blouin, a silver medalist from the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, expressed her desire to soak in every moment of this experience. “I haven’t had the time to think about it being my last Olympics,” she remarked. After participating in the Big Air event, Blouin enjoyed a relaxing evening and took time to recharge. Unlike her experience in 2022, she reported feeling more joy and less pressure this time.
Countdown to Final Olympic Performance
Juliette Pelchat, Blouin’s younger sister, shared her mixed emotions about Laurie’s final games. “I am happy to share these moments with Laurie, but I’m sad it’s her last,” said Pelchat, who hails from British Columbia. Despite the bittersweet feeling, she remains optimistic about future snowboarding opportunities with her sister. “I’m confident we’ll snowboard together again,” she added.
Reflecting on the Journey
At just 21, Pelchat recalls watching the Olympians in 2018 and questioning her own capabilities. “I was camping and I thought the course looked huge. I wondered if I could do it in the future,” she shared. Now, as a participant, she values the guidance from her sister.
Even though Blouin missed the Big Air finals narrowly, she is optimistic about her chances in slopestyle. “It’s realistic to win a medal,” she stated. While recognizing her ambition to earn a medal, she emphasized that it does not dominate her mindset. “I want to be proud of my runs above all,” she affirmed.
Training Insights
Following a training session on Friday, Blouin expressed satisfaction with the course’s design. “I felt good, and the course is a lot of fun. The modules are challenging,” she observed. She noted the importance of executing solid, clean runs rather than focusing too heavily on high-risk maneuvers. “The skiers showed me ideas that emphasize cleanliness over difficulty,” Blouin added.
- Event: Olympic Slopestyle Qualifications
- Date: February 16
- Location: Livigno, Italy
- Athlete: Laurie Blouin
- Previous Medal: Silver in Big Air at PyeongChang 2018
Pelchat, competing in her first Olympics, believes her experiences in Big Air will influence her performance. “I can use the same jumps in some cases. The course allows for creativity since there are many options available,” she stated, proudly wearing her father’s legendary brand logo, the Wildcats.
As Laurie Blouin gears up for her final Olympic showdown, she remains hopeful and ready to make lasting memories, embodying the spirit of the games while looking ahead to the future.
