What's happened
At the Winter Olympics in Livigno, Norway's Birk Ruud defended his big air title amid a competitive field, with American Mac Forehand leading qualifying. Athletes used music for motivation, but opinions varied on its impact on performance. The event showcased high-level tricks and resilience, with some skiers facing falls and setbacks.
What's behind the headline?
The story reveals a complex interplay between mental preparation and physical skill in high-stakes sports. The use of music as a motivational tool varies among athletes; some find it essential for focus, while others see it as a distraction. Ruud's decision to compete without music underscores the importance of presence and awareness in executing complex tricks. The event's unpredictability, with falls and last-minute flips, highlights the high risk and resilience required. This story also reflects broader themes of mental discipline and the evolving nature of athlete preparation, suggesting that success depends on both physical prowess and psychological readiness. The varied approaches to music illustrate differing philosophies about focus and distraction, which could influence future training methods.
What the papers say
AP News provides detailed coverage of the event, highlighting the competitive nature and individual athlete stories. The article notes Ruud's strategic choices and the unpredictability of the competition, contrasting with other reports that emphasize the technical difficulty and risk involved. The NY Post offers a more dramatic recount of Ruud's risky runs and setbacks, emphasizing the unpredictability and resilience required. Both sources underscore the high stakes and physical demands of the event, but AP News focuses more on the broader context of the Olympics and athlete strategies, while the NY Post highlights the drama and personal stories of the competitors.
How we got here
The story builds on the ongoing Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, where freestyle skiing events like big air and slopestyle are key highlights. Previous competitions saw American dominance, but recent results show a more competitive field. Athletes prepare with mental and physical routines, including music choices, to enhance focus and performance.
Go deeper
More on these topics
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Birk Ruud is a Norwegian freestyle skier in halfpipe and slopestyle and Olympic champion in big air.
In 2016, he won Gold at the Winter Youth Olympics at Lillehammer.
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The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, and commonly known as Milano Cortina 2026, is a forthcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to take place from 6 to 22 February 2026 in the Italian cities of Mil
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Mac Forehand is an American freestyle skier who competes internationally.
He competed in the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboarding World Championships 2021, where he placed fourth in men's ski big air.