After six months off the slopes, I’m back and putting my focus on next year’s Winter Olympics.
Because of the pandemic, it was pretty much impossible to do competitions, fly abroad or train in this country (due to lack of snow) from last March until pre-season began in October.
I tried to remain as positive as possible throughout the lockdowns and made the most of what was a challenging time, for everyone of course, not just pro athletes.
One of my sponsors, Red Bull, sent me gym equipment so I could continue my strength work from home, and I also hosted live daily stretching sessions on Instagram.
I kept a strong mindset throughout and made the most out of being at home for an extended period — something that doesn’t happen often for me.
Naturally, I missed being able to snowboard, especially after seeing my competitors from other nations able to train, but I remained motivated by doing garden gymnastics sessions and using a static snowboard to practise rail tricks as it was the closest I could get to the real thing.
I missed the southern-hemisphere season because of the restrictions on travel so was extremely happy I had such a great 2019-20 campaign — the most successful of my career so far, by becoming the first Briton to win the overall World Cup slopestyle title as well as five World Cup podiums.
In October, I was able to travel again and went to Italy and Austria for training, which was amazing after so long without being able to do so.
It was the best feeling being back in the mountains. I worked extremely hard and took advantage of every moment on the snow to work on my tricks, ready for Winter Olympic qualification, which started in January.
The first World Cup in Kreischberg went very well for me after almost a year out, as I placed eighth — a result which has given me good points going into the rest of the Olympic qualifiers. It felt great being back in a bib and I quickly got used to our new ‘normal’.
I’m excited for Beijing in 11 months’ time and am very confident it will go ahead, although I feel for the summer Olympians who have seen their Games pushed back by a year and must even now be wondering about Tokyo this summer.
What I really hope is that everyone, and that’s including young athletes who are up-and-coming and currently unable to do the sport they love, are staying positive during the current lockdown.
I know it’s not easy but it is so important to keep a strong mindset. I’m sure we will get back to normal at some point soon and I believe we can still inspire the next generation of snowboarders despite the lack of snow time recently.
■ Katie Ormerod is sponsored by SunGod
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