Kelly Gremaud: Finding Clarity and Rediscovering Herself Amidst a Whirlwind of Success
Kelly Gremaud, the reigning Olympic slopestyle champion and three-time big air X Games winner, recently took a significant step back from her hectic travel schedule to find clarity and rediscover herself. Gremaud’s journey is a testament to the importance of mental well-being and self-reflection in the demanding world of competitive sports.
Rethinking Success and Introspection
The Swiss skier who has accumulated a remarkable array of titles and firsts, realized that the constant travel and minimal downtime had started to take a toll on her mental health. After a successful and groundbreaking 2023 slopestyle world championship, she needed to take a step back.
In an effort to regain perspective, Gremaud stayed at her parents’ house for a week, taking the time to enjoy hobbies like skiing and engage in meaningful conversations with the people who know her best.
Rediscovering Her True Self
Her stay at her parents’ house served as a pivotal moment for reflection. During her time there, she emphasized the importance of being around loved ones and the comfort it provided.
- Away from the constant pressure and rhythm of competing in various tournaments and challenges, the athlete discovered a part of herself that she had forgotten in the hectic lifestyle.
- She reflected on her likings and dislikes and realised that her earlier preferences had shaped her resilience and perseverance
“It was so cool at my parents’ house. It was so peaceful and my head was free. It’s something I hadn’t had in a long time because I was always so busy,” she said while going on “I had to find out who I was when I didn’t have my skis on. I asked my parents about what I was like as a kid so that I could see what might have changed.”
Valuable Realizations and Moving Forward
Gremaud’s introspection led her to some profound realizations about her true self and what she needs to thrive both on and off the slopes. The journey provided her with insights about how socialising and enjoying people’s vibe is necessary for her motivation and going forward.
“I had someone filming with me all of last season and that’s why I think it went so well. It really helped me perform because when I was doing my runs, I knew someone always had their eye on me. That’s the biggest thing I’ve realized about my character.”
Finding Balance in the World of Sports
Her story highlights the importance for athletes in balance and reflection to sustain top performance and mental peace. The ability to reset and reconnect with one’s true identity can be the key to navigating the challenges of sports like:
- Competition and Pressure.
- High Intense and stressful tournament schedules.
- Absence of proper communication
The journey of a champion continues to be about managing the mindset: the grit to excel in tough times and being patient with oneself to get better with time. She big cheers for the athletes who thrive to maintain a balance between the successful and reflective aspects of their own lives.