For Colby Stevenson, May 8 is “celebrate life” day annually.
That’s because, on May 8, 2016, he almost avoided death in a car crash. Still, he will be departing Beijing 2022 with silver around his neck.
Freeskier Colby Stevenson Talks Winning Winning Silver Medal After
In the first-ever men’s freeski large air competition, Stevenson put on a spectacular show, placing second only to Norway’s 21-year-old Birk Ruud, who took home the gold. Henrik Harlaut, a 30-year-old Swedish veteran, won bronze.
When asked about his disappointment at missing the 2018 Olympics due to a shoulder injury, he responded, “I was heartbroken in 2018. “Spectating my comrades compete was a blast.
My life was going through some exciting changes at the moment. Nonetheless, just making it to Rio as part of the Olympic team was a great accomplishment.
“Big Air is not a discipline in which I generally excel. I’ve never placed in Big Air before, so I wasn’t setting my sights too high on a medal, but I did know that by trying out some new routines I had a good chance of doing well.
“My new move is the nose butter 16, with a Japan grab. I’m pretty sure I’m the first one to do it with a Japan grab, so that’s a big deal for me. To be perfectly honest, this is very much like a scene from a film. I feel like I’m floating on air right now.
Not sure how else to put it. This is the first time I’ve ever placed in the top three in the big air event at an Olympic competition. Wow, that’s incredible.”
The Thought Crossed My Mind, “If I can Survive that, I can Endure Any Crash.”
After Colby Stevenson’s near-fatal incident in rural Idaho in 2016, doctors gave him slim chances of returning to professional freestyle skiing.
In the collision, Stevenson suffered multiple fractures, including to his skull, ribs, eye socket, jaw, and neck. Two major operations were required, one of which involved implanting a titanium plate in his skull.
“As a matter of fact, I try not to think about it. Skiing at a high level again after overcoming such adversity is a feat that belongs to the past. It’s a tremendous privilege for me to be able to accomplish that.
“The way I see it, if I can make it through that, I can make it through any type of accident I take out here. All I can do is give it my all and keep going. Nothing can ever stop me from doing this since it is what I love to do.”
It’s Good for you to “Go Out of Your Comfort Zone.” “
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned from sports is that it’s good for you to challenge yourself. This year has been a particularly fruitful learning year for me in that regard.
Every party has been a learning experience for me. My trick improvement has been slow and steady over the past few years, but this year I hit a few good leaps and was able to really let loose.
“Leaving your safe space is crucial to personal growth. It’ll merely keep things interesting, which will make you pleased.
The best way to find out what you’re truly good at is to go out and try as many different things as you can.”
Maybe Stevenson will add another “celebrate life” day on the 9th of February.
