Joy. Respect. Aroha.  

This is snow sport.  

For the most part, those three words sum up the Winter Olympics.    

The crotch dropped pants and laissez-faire attitude of the snowboarders and skiers in big air, slopestyle, and halfpipe at the winter medal fest is a beacon of this state of mind.  

To watch the encouragement and enthusiasm of the competitors as they celebrate every athlete up against them, is to understand the primary driver of these extraordinary humans.   

Genuine celebration of success oozes out of every pore as the next big trick is stomped, which is a frequent occurrence in these snow sport disciplines, based on the oft used word, progression. The constant evolution we witness shows no sign of abating, each run promises to amaze and astound and push the boundaries of the sport.  

Don’t get me wrong, these athletes are fiercely competitive, risking life and limb for their country, they are relentless in their quest for victory. But they leave that for their run, the rest of the time, from the sideline, they are expressing support, excitement and joy.  

Rock stars the lot of them.