Ski cross talk with Ophelie David
Apr 13, 2021·Ski Cross
Recently, we sat down with retired ski cross legend Ophelie David (FRA) to catch up with one of the sport’s greatest. Before we get into the interview section, here are some stats about the exceptional athlete that you need to know first:
Ophelie David, born in Cucq, France, in 1976
First ever World Cup start: Tignes (France) – result: 4th in 2002
First ever World Cup win: Les Contamines (France) in 2004
First ever WSC start: Ruka (FIN) in 2005. Result: 3rd place
In total 5 World Championship podiums, of which one was a victory:
2005 Ruka (FIN): 3rd place
2007 Madonna di Campiglio (ITA): 1st place
2013 Voss-Myrkdalen (NOR): 3rd place
2015 Kreischberg (AUT): 2nd place
2017 Sierra Nevada (ESP): 3rd place at the age of 40
Ski Cross crystal globes: 7 (2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10)
Overall Freestyle crystal globes: 3 (2005/06, 2007/08, 2008/09)
World Cup starts: 128
Podiums: 64
Victories: 26
Last ever World Cup start: 20.01.2018 Nakiska (CAN)
Special comeback-appearance 2021 at the Red Bull SuperSkicross
Find more interesting figures and numbers from Ophelie’s career in her FIS athlete section HERE.
Interview
As someone who has retired at the age of 41 and was competing for a very long time, how does it feel to not to be racing anymore, but “only” being a spectator? Do you miss racing?
I was lucky to decide by myself to retire, in our sport it's a chance!
So, it was not so difficult being a spectator but I have to confess that behind my screen I could feel the wind, the muscles, hear the snow and the skis ... all my memories were alive and I was "skiing" when I was watching the races on TV!
My body reminds me how cool it was being a skiX racer!
After your crash during training at the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang 2018, where you injured your knee pretty severely, you retired from ski cross, a passion that you lived for 15 years. Do you mind telling us what was going through your mind at that moment and what ultimately led to the decision to retire?
I announced at the beginning of the season 2018 that it will be my last one, but of course I was thinking to finish in Megeve!
So, hurting myself at the Olympics was one of my biggest sad moments I had to live through. Sad, that's the word ... I couldn't start at the Olympics, I couldn't race with the other girls and it really took me down.
I was like a kid who lost its dream.
When it happened, I did not want to admit that something was wrong, I re-started but my knee just couldn't move anymore.
At the hospital, I asked the doctors how I could do to be able to take part at the race. They were surprised that I did not understand already that it was over for me. I insisted, they had to tell me in loud and clear words: “It is over! Really over, no more skiing this winter!”
But I still had the feeling they were talking to someone else. It was a very complicated moment for me.
As one of the most successful ski cross athletes, you have achieved so much. The record list is outstanding. Looking back on your career, what was your most special moment and which achievement mattered the most to you personally? (You may list a couple 😉**)**
Oh la la, ... so many memories!
I will always remember my first globe and also at the World Champs my victory in Italy and my 3rd place in Spain.
But to be really honest, every single moment made me grow more and today, I am proud of the friendships, the true and strong friendships this sport offered me.
For the longest time, you held the record for most World Cup wins among all ski cross athletes, men and women, until this year, when your friend Fanny Smith first equaled the 26 victories and then even set a new record. How did that make you feel? Where you maybe also a bit sad that your long-time record was broken?
I think records are made to be beaten, so I am very grateful that it was my friend Fanny who broke it! I was super happy and proud of her!
You know, as time is running fast, it's always more exciting looking forward!
I don't want to be stuck in the past; I want to keep going ahead with new challenges. I am just proud of what I achieved with the help of so many good persons, who surrounded me, but what is done is done, I can't change anything now... it’s like if those records and victories are not mine anymore (smiles)
Fanny Smith convinced you to come back for one competition at the Red Bull SuperSkicross 2021 in Andermatt (SUI) for one final ski cross race. Did you immediately say “yes” to that proposal?
Deep in my soul, I knew I would say yes, but first, I asked to sleep one night about it and then take a decision.
I had to check such things like: where are my race skis, what about my back protection, insurance if I get injured in Switzerland, and so on.
5 days later we went to Leysin with Fanny to make some jumps at the snow park, because I did not jump since the Olympics! Oh my God, my heart was beating so hard in my chest! But I had a good coach (smiles). Fanny supported me and step by step, the feeling came back.
The next day we were in Andermatt!
I was not really fast and good but honestly, I was just so, so incredibly happy to live again some ski cross sensations! What a gift! It was unbelievable!!
How was it, being back in the start gate for this event? Is ski cross like riding a bike? You get into the start gate and are ready even after a 3-year-break, or were you also a bit nervous?
I was super nervous. I tried the 2 lines (blue and silver) and after that when I went back at the start, some tears came to my eyes. So much pressure, so much memories! I was mentally exhausted.
I never dared to dream to ski once again on a ski cross course. And what a course that was! Big jumps, new features, that was crazy!
Honestly it was the best gift ever, because I could finally say “good bye” to this great sport that I love so much with a big smile instead of crying at the back of a Korean ambulance. It meant a lot for me!
How do you feel about the development of ski cross? Back in the day, courses were different, equipment was different, race suits were different. What is your opinion on where the sport is heading and what would you like to see in the future of ski cross?
It is normal that things are changing and developing. The big point for me, the DNA of our sport in my point of view is that ski cross has to be spectacular!
People, ski lovers or random people, they want to feel and live something when they are watching ski cross.
It is not only big features (but it helps) It is also the incredible finish moments like Sandra and Fanny did in Russia this year – so tight!
We ARE the show!
What is your opinion on the next generation of ski cross athletes? Do they have any specific skills that weren’t on the radar back in the day when you were training ski cross?
I love watching the new generation ski, they are powerful and so fluid, like big cats. I love the way they are approaching jumps now.
I am just afraid about the lack of girls at the start! I think the national ski federations, hand in hand with the FIS, should seriously think about how to develop the National and Europa cup to help girls to come to ski cross.
It could be a real problem for the Olympics and the IOC's policy of gender equality.
Do you see yourself connected to ski cross somewhere in the near future? Maybe as a team coach, a course advisor or somewhere at the organizer’s side of World Cup races or anywhere in the field?
I would love to! The opportunity did not show up yet but who knows, it may happen (smiles).
What is your tip to the young generation of ski cross athletes? What is it that you would like to tell them based on your outstanding career and your achievements – a piece of advice, that needs to be told?!
I would tell them to follow strongly their dreams. To be grateful to live those amazing moments of sport, team spirit, travelling, and for the self-confidence that ski cross gives you.
Being on the podium is great, we all dream of that, but what is nourishing you as a person is how you get there, the energy, the determination you put in every single day of your challenge, and also how dedicated you are to achieve this dream.
But, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy it as much as possible; just go out and play!
Last, but not least - What is it that you love most about ski cross?
I love all the physical sensations I could feel when I was skiing a great course. At the start, this great energy, electricity which is floating in the air. During the race, the speed, the glide under my feet, the air in the jumps, like if the time was stopped, the G-force into the turns...all my cells can remember that!
In the finish area, hugging those girls with whom I shared this unique moment, those girls who helped me to push forward to be better and also sharing victories with my crew!
Well, I simply love all that ski cross is (smiles)
It is so much fun!
Also, check out our behind the scenes special with Ophelie David, which was recorded quite some time ago, but the ski cross sparks are as strongly up to date as in the recent interview – please do enjoy!
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