Snowboarding is a big deal for China Interview with Su Yi Ming, winner of two medals at Milano Cortina 2026

Milano Cortina 2026 has been the coming-of-age edition for snowboarding at the Winter Olympic Games. Having outgrown the cool novelty and outlaw label, snowboarding had to change part of its aesthetic identity to mark its evolution from a niche sport to a recognized global phenomenon. This was achieved in great style, also thanks to the contribution of a new generation of athletes. One athlete who belongs to this group by right is Su Yi Ming, a 21-year-old Chinese snowboarder who won two medals at Milano Cortina, bronze in the big air and gold in the slopestyle, and was the flag bearer for China during the closing ceremony held at the Arena di Verona. We met him on the eve of this event at the adidas chalet, inside the adidas Italy offices.

You won two Olympic medals in Milano Cortina: how did it feel compared to Beijing 2022?

"It felt actually so different for me this time. Four years ago, as a teenager going to my first Olympics, I didn't have any expectations; I was just there to compete. I didn't really know what was going on. But this time, there was so much pressure on my shoulders. I also felt a huge sense of responsibility to show the world how Chinese snowboarding is growing and how hard we're trying to achieve our goals. So earning this gold and then bronze at my second Olympics means so much to me".

From Beijing 2022 to Milan Cortina 2026, what have been the biggest changes in snowboarding?

"It's crazy how much snowboarding has progressed. That's what we wanted to see in a sport. We're all trying our best to push our limits and the limits of snowboarding, and we're also trying to be part of the community and share the joy that snowboarding brings with everyone. It's really crazy to think about. I can't even imagine how far it's still going to go after four years. I'm just really lucky and proud to be part of the snowboarding community. It is such a freeing sport for me. Everyone has their own style of doing tricks. The same trick can be done in many different ways. There's no right way to do it as long as you like it and ride with your own style and understanding of each trick. That's why snowboarding is so special to me".

How does your mental and physical preparation differ between a Big Air and a Slopestyle competition?

"Obviously, as the defending champion, I was under a lot more pressure going into the big air. It's also the first competition at my second Olympics, so it's hard to change your mindset because the Olympics are so different and special. It's so different from the World Cup and any other competition, so it's hard for me to realise that the Olympics have already started. Big air definitely has more pressure for me. But right after the big air, I try to tell myself not to think about anything else and just focus on my own riding. Besides that, I don't have to worry about anything else — I just have to do my own thing".

What advice would you give to a youngster who wants to turn his passion for snowboarding into a professional career?

"First of all, the most important thing is to have fun. Never forget that we're here to have fun. Trust yourself, work hard, and believe in your dreams".