Interview by Corinne Evans / Photos by Sam Mellish
The PyeongChang Winter Olympics 2018 is almost here! Before the opening games we grabbed the chance to catch up with Roxy team rider and British Olympic Snowboarder Aimee Fuller. Talking highs and lows and pre Olympic training, here’s what Aimee has to say about life as a professional snowboarder.
Name: Aimee Fuller
Age: 26
Occupation: Snowboarder
Website: www.aimeefuller.co.uk
Social: @aimee_fuller
Aimee, what’s the last 12 months been like for you?
2017 was a rollercoaster, many hi’s and some lows, starting on a low with a grade 2 in my lateral ankle ligament which meant I missed the first 2 contests of the season. Hi-s, filmed a TV show with Sky, met some awesome friends. Snowboard hi’s came back strong and secured 3 top 5’s in the Olympic qualification events and finished top 5 in the World Tour Slopestyle rankings. Landed my Cab double in the World Champs in Spain. Learned a cut back on my surf board!
You must be really excited about the upcoming Winter Olympics. What has your training regime been like?
I have quit drinking! I’ve not touched a drop since August and still going strong. I have increased my explosive power training, and increased the amount of yoga I am doing, before and after on snow training to help with recovery and also mobility on my snowboard. The count down is on and I am excited to put everything I’ve got into it, so I am as ready as I can be when I arrive at the top of that drop in!
Do you get much down time in-between snowboarding and training and how do you like to spend you down time?
I like to spend my time chilling with friends, exploring my local coast line in Northern Ireland, jogging and having good coffee with my Mum. I am also a foodie and love creating healthy alternatives! So brunching and cooking with friends! When I am not travelling or training which I also love!
How do you deal with nerves?
It’s a strong head game, it’s about using your nerves as motivation and turning any anxious vibes into positive ones, using that energy to channel your fears into positive vibes and adrenaline to push your body to the limits. It’s only you and your snowboard, no-one else can say or influence how you do. That’s the motivation it’s you, and your mind pushing yourself every day you ride.
What’s life like on the Roxy team?
It’s amazing to be a part of a family of snow and surf sisters. We all love to connect, whether it’s in the surf or snow. It’s a brand that I am passionate about , supporting women and a family I love. This October marked 10 years of Roxy for me and I can’t thank them enough for supporting my dream, from age 16 on the Roxy Future Team, with Basa Stevulova, Silje Norendal. All the way to the main team with Torah Bright.
Do you have any goals for 2018, apart from winning gold?
I would love to do my yoga certification and travel and progress my surfing somewhere new that I haven’t been. Maybe South America or Sri Lanka.
What’s your favourite post snowboarding meal?
Vivo Caramel Protein Pancakes with NUTRII baby and off course fresh hot berries and almond butter.
Favourite bit of kit?
That’s tough, It’s got to be my VANS AIMEE FULLER edition Ferra Snowboard boots, I am really excited to have my own line with them this season featuring 2 pairs of casual footwear OR…. My TAG Connected watch, for when I am up on the mountains.
Advice to anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Have fun and try something new every day, no matter how small it is, that one thing will keep you coming back time and time again. Surround yourself by positive people, and give back your positive energy. Dare to dream and follow your passion. I did!
Keep up to date with what’s happening at the Winter Olympics here www.olympic.org/pyeongchang-2018
