Bodin is covering a few bases by competing in not one but three categories to ensure success this year. He has also spent time with legend Levi LaVallee (who’s recovering after a practice crash) in the run up to Winter X Games 15, starting this week in the USA.
About Daniel Bodin
- Born September 21th 1984
- Resides in Malung, Sweden
- Hobbies: Snowboard, Skateboard, 50cc riding
What have you been up to in preparation for the Winter X Games?
For the first time, I will compete in three disciplines: freestyle, best trick and speed & style. I have tried to plan the training thoroughly to make the most of the little time I have. It’s been a lot of switching between snowmobiles and changing between ramps and track. To summarise it – I have more snowmobile hours under my belt than ever before. The preparations before X are everything. If I don’t train hard, there is no point in going there. Last year I thought the limits of what could be accomplished on a snowmobile were reached. But they’re not. There will always be new tricks to invent or learn.
Tell us about the different categories you’re competing in?
In freestyle you have two minutes to use the track and pull your best tricks with best possible variation and choice of ramps. In best trick you simply do the biggest and most impressive trick you have. Speed & style is a mix of snowmobile cross, driving as fast as you can on a course with jumps and turns, and freestyle. You are awarded points for time as well as tricks. The faster you drive and better you jump, the higher total score.
‘Winning a gold medal – it would probably be the best day of my life’
Last year you got a silver medal for best trick. What will it take to bring home the gold in 2011?
It will probably take something completely new, some trick that the judges have never seen before. I think I have that! Toughest for me is the speed and style since I’ve got no experience from racing.
Who do you rank as your toughest competitors for the medals?
It will have to be Justin Hoyer, who got the gold last year. Heath Frisby will also be strong, I’ve heard that he has been training a lot before the X. Coming from little Sweden and beating the North Americans on their home turf would be awesome!
What are the factors that affect success in your sport?
The equipment has a larger part than you would think. If something breaks down, it’s over. Physically you need the strength to keep the same high level from the first jump to the last. Finally your mindset is absolutely crucial. There are so many things to keep in your mind that you must be 100 per cent focused on what you do. By repeating the tricks over and over again, you get to a point where the muscles remember them. Some tricks you know without thinking about them.
Finally, what would a gold medal mean for you? How would you feel?
I would say that it’s about fucking time! And that it’s proof of how you should never, ever give up. It would probably be the best day of my life.
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