Freeskiing
We catch up with Sean Pettit following his victory at Red Bull Linecatcher.
There’ll be plenty of celebrating for 18-year-old Canadian freeskiing prodigy Sean Pettit as he notched up yet another career victory at the Red Bull Linecatcher competition after dazzling the judges with a seamless combination of tricks and jumps including a phenomenal ‘cork 7’. There was little doubt that Sean would take the title, building on his 2nd place result from last year’s contest, but he exceeded all expectations with a performance that left many astounded with its fluidity, style and complexity. We caught up with Sean while still on the slopes at Vars, La Forêt Blanche to get a glimpse of the rider behind the goggles...
There are a lot of older guys who you compete against. Is that ever intimidating?
"They realise I’m a lot younger, sure, but I guess we’re all friends and age doesn’t matter that much. I just try to be myself and don’t try to be anyone I’m not. I try to have as much fun as possible and I think that results in the best skiing, when you’re not too uptight or concerned. You’re just here having fun with your friends and having a good time."
Is there any music that helps you get psyched for a contest?
"I listen to a lot of music and there are lots of old classics that I like. Music is something that definitely gets me excited, gets me going. To get me stoked up for an event like this I’d probably listen to some heavy rock 'n' roll or something. There’s a lot of really bad music playing in Canada right now but I’m listening to a lot of old stuff so I’m not really following any trends."
Who has given you sound advice to take into your pro career?
"I have an older brother, Callum and he’s a professional skier as well. He doesn’t compete much but he films all season. He should be here for the party later! He’s given me some good advice, nothing direct, but it’s just stuff he’s taught me over the years and just little things you’ve got to take in. My mom was a ski racer back in the day and my dad just really enjoys skiing so it’s absolutely a family tradition"
Aside from skiing how do you spend your time?
"There are not many days off the snow you know, where I’m not skiing. On those days, I’m usually travelling on a plane. The lifestyle is incredible, it's non-stop but it really suits me. I really enjoy it. I’d say there’s nothing too irregular about me though and I’m just a pretty normal guy who likes to ski."
What does the future hold for you?
"I’ve got a long road ahead so it is difficult for me to say what I have left to still achieve but I’m just gonna keep on doing what I’m doing. I’ve got Red Bull Coldrush next, which is a contest much like this event. I try to subside all the pressure and have a really good time. Freeskiing is about having fun and just doing what you feel you can do."