Namita Nayyar:
Looking back at your career, we’ve seen you win X Games golds in 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2026 and now you have a collection of eleven X Games medals. Which of those X Games moments stands out to you as the turning point in your career?
Mathilde Gremaud:
The first X Games win was the biggest turning point. It came early, when hardly anyone knew me, and that result opened doors: sponsorships like Red Bull and greater visibility. Every X Games podium since has mattered because those events provide a much larger platform than regular FIS stops. They helped sustain my career through seasons when my World Cup results weren’t perfect.
Namita Nayyar:
In 2021, you became the first woman to land a switch double cork 1440 in competition. That was a massive step for women’s freestyle skiing. How did you mentally prepare to attempt a trick that had never been done before by a woman in competition?
Mathilde Gremaud:
I was lucky to have Red Bull’s support for that mission. I first landed the trick in summer 2020 and set a clear goal to land it at the X Games that winter. Preparation was a mix of progressive technical work and visualization: I repeated the trick mentally, imagined the landing, and pictured the competition setting. The excitement of proving it could be done under pressure kept me motivated. Safe progression and strong support gave me the confidence to perform it. It was just motivating!
Namita Nayyar:
In 2024, you became the first woman to win three FIS crystal globes in a single season. How did you manage the physical and mental load of dominating across multiple disciplines for an entire season?
Mathilde Gremaud:
It was intense. I managed it by narrowing my focus: during the season I put many other things aside and concentrated almost exclusively on skiing. That single-mindedness helped me perform, but it also cost me when the season ended and other life aspects returned. Physically, careful planning and recovery were essential, and mentally I relied on support from family, my girlfriend and the team. That season taught me how far focused dedication can take you and how important it is to restore balance afterwards.
Namita Nayyar:
Your sport demands a rare combination of explosive power, aerial awareness, and endurance. Can you break down your typical weekly fitness regime? How do you split your time between strength training, cardio, and on-snow practice?
Mathilde Gremaud:
In summer, strength training is the priority (May–August) to rebuild and increase power. Cardio comes second. I love biking and often do interval sessions on climbs, plus running and other activities like paddle tennis. On-snow weeks prioritize skiing: strength and cardio drop to maintenance levels depending on energy. A typical summer week starts with strength sessions, then adds cardio or technical work; intensity varies across the week with planned high and low days, plus mobility and recovery sessions.
Namita Nayyar:
Given that you are a freestyle skier, what does your off-season workout routine look like? I imagine it involves a lot of trampoline work and water ramps. What are the key exercises you rely on to protect your knees and spine from the impact of landings?
Mathilde Gremaud:
The off-season focuses on building a strong, resilient body and maintaining quickness. I’ve worked with my physical coach from the start, spending lots of time in the gym to handle impact loads. We train the posterior chain heavily: deadlifts, hip thrusts, Nordic hamstrings, along with smaller stabilizer muscles. Trampoline and water-ramp work improve technique, while varied sports help with agility and coordination. The combination of strength, stabilization, and technique drills protects knees and spine.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
