Events and Competition – Sean Hartel

Sean Hartel has been skiing since he was two years old. He started freestyle skiing when he was a teenager and that’s also when he began competing. We asked this Team Fuel member about these high voltage events and how he blows away the competition.

Q: How do you get pumped up before an event?

A: Before a competition you get a short training session, whether it be in the superpipe or on a big jump. After flying through the air, flipping and spinning in training, my heart is pumping and my nerves are on edge. I absolutely love the pressure of a big competition and the feeling of a big crowd and tons of cameras watching you. That alone sends the adrenaline through the roof!

Q: What would you say is the hardest thing about an event?

A: There are two tough things about any major ski event. One is crashes and injuries, which are a natural part of the sport. When I lay down an awesome halfpipe run and then crash on the last hit right before the finish line, it’s very frustrating. Secondly, there are tons of crazy parties and nightlife at these events. It’s necessary to make appearances out on the town because your social reputation and “image” are important in the ski industry, but you have to have the discipline to keep in check and be ready for the next day of competition.

Q: OK, so staying focused on and off the slopes is definitely important. Aside from knowing that and making it a priority, what other strengths do you have over your competitors?

A: I’d say my strength in competition is definitely my aggressive attitude and style, and the “hot sauce” ”—that’s what I call putting myself into sixth gear. You train all year for competition and you push your limits every day, but on competition day it really gives you an edge. I get more fired up than most competitors and my energy level goes through the roof. That makes me go bigger and faster than any other day.

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are strictly those of Mr. Hartel. The contents of this article and any reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service whether by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Twinlab and Twinlab assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, service or process disclosed or referenced herein. All information is provided on an as-is basis and is provide for information purposes only.