Mathilde Gremaud's Olympic year begins this weekend. The freestyle skier, who has already won three Olympic medals, is relying on her tried-and-tested recipe for success with philosophical approaches.
21.11.2025, 05:00
21.11.2025, 07:24
SDA
The excitement is palpable ahead of the freestylers' season opener this weekend on the Stubai Glacier. The start of the Olympic winter is delayed compared to previous years, as the traditional kick-off in October with the Big Air in Chur is no longer taking place.
Mathilde Gremaud regrets that the event in Chur is no longer on the program, but at the same time enjoys having a little more time to rehearse her tricks. "We don't have the little stress of having to be ready as early as October," explains the 25-year-old from Fribourg during the interview in Saas Fee.
The extra time for preparation is even more important in the Olympic year, even if Gremaud can approach the major event next February with a certain amount of composure. With the title in slopestyle and the bronze medal in big air in Beijing 2022 and bronze in big air in Sochi 2018, she already has an impressive collection of Olympic medals.
The Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo are of course in the back of Gremaud's mind, but the pressure is limited. It's not the opportunity of a lifetime like for others. "I have the feeling that I've already seized the opportunity of a lifetime," says Gremaud, describing her state of mind. "Now I have a new opportunity and I want to make the most of it. But it's different from 2022, just like 2022 was different from 2018. It's a new adventure every time."
"My goal is to get better"
Gremaud does not want to focus on medals. Last season was successful with the slopestyle title at the home World Championships in the Engadine, but the Swiss skier was still not completely satisfied: "I didn't like the season that much because I didn't ski much." Due to a concussion, she wasn't able to take part in all the races she would have liked to.
She had a few dips in her mood last winter due to the forced breaks, but she was also able to take some positives from them: "I thought it was pretty positive that I missed the competition. If it weren't for that, I could quit. What I want is to be on skis. I don't have to think much, I just have to ski."
Gremaud remains cautious with regard to the Olympic Games. "First I have to get to the Olympic Games. They don't take place until February and a lot can happen between now and then. I am very much guided by my "feeling". My ambitions are based on how I feel. My goal is to get better and make progress when I feel good, when I know I'm in good shape. On these days, I can prepare perfectly for the time when the pressure is on."
In Livigno, where the Olympic freestyle competitions will be held, she will be as relaxed as possible at the start. "I tell myself that everything is a bonus after winning three medals at two Olympic Games." Being there is already great. "That's my big goal. To tell myself that I'm fit, I'm at the start line and off I go. Let what is meant to happen happen."
Feeling, trick and reward
Gremaud does not want to reveal whether she is planning any new tricks for the Olympic Games. But it is clear that the Olympic champion is keen to show something innovative, to produce a dream run without focusing on gold. "My goal is to feel good," she assures us. And if I feel good, then I can show a new trick. And when I show a new trick, I usually achieve a good result. That's my approach."
"I think I won some medals because my goal wasn't the result. First and foremost, I wanted to show a good run and be happy with myself. That ensures that I push my limit and get rewarded in the end. Maybe I'm going about it the wrong way, but I've developed this philosophy and cultivated it in my sport."
