Birk Ruud, the 25-year-old freeskier, learned a valuable lesson during the Olympics that he hopes not to repeat. After competing in Italy, he returned home with a gold medal and an eighth-place finish in the Big Air event. Although he was the defending champion from the Beijing Games four years prior, he was unable to replicate that success and felt he had let himself down by not performing as he had hoped. Ruud believed he was in contention for a medal but ultimately fell short after falling on two of his three jumps.

During the competition, Ruud executed his first jump but faltered on the subsequent attempts, while fellow competitor Tormod Frostad clinched the win. This realization led Ruud to acknowledge that his tricks were not enough to secure another gold. The disappointment he felt, however, has sparked a renewed passion for the sport that drives him to train harder and prepare for future competitions. Ruud’s introspection reveals a fierce desire to improve and compete at the highest level after such a contrasting Olympic experience.

Looking ahead, Ruud is more motivated than ever, expressing eagerness to dedicate time to his training and refine his skills. He commented on how certain moments of clarity during competition fuel his determination, igniting a flame within him that compels him to push through setbacks. As he gears up for upcoming competitions, Ruud's focus is sharpened, and his competitive spirit is rekindled, indicating a promising trajectory in his athletic career.