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Q&A: Maggie Voisin returns to snow, gives the deets on her injury, future and more

Q&A: Maggie Voisin returns to snow, gives the deets on her injury, future and more

Maggie Voisin came rip-roaring into the spotlight over the past year. The 15-year-old hailing from Whitefish, MT captured a victory at WSI 2013, podium appearances at both Dew Tour and X Games, as well as a trip to the Olympic Winter Games. However, during practice at the 2014 Games in Sochi, Voisin suffered an ankle injury—removing her from Olympic competition and the rest of her up-and-coming season. The young ripper recently returned to the slopes this summer with a trip to Whistler, BC. We caught up with Voisin to get the down-low on her injury, social life, plans for the upcoming season and more. Check it.

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Photos provided by @Shay_Will.

Q&A…

So, you’re in Whistler right now. How’s that treating you?

Whistler is one of my favorite places to ski. I couldn’t think of a better place to start skiing again after being out since the Olympics.

You’ve been off snow for about five months now, how did your first day back feel?

Obviously being out for that long, I took the first day really mellow. My body has not felt so rested and ready to ski in a while. I’m just excited to be back, ready to go and feeling healthy.

How was the first time throwing boots on? Did it feel a bit foreign?

Well I wouldn’t say it’s foreign, but I will admit I found myself lying down on the side of the hill realizing I forgot how uncomfortable skis boots are.

Are you taking the skiing slowly or just jumping right back into the fire?

Me being me, I obviously just wanted to go crazy and jump right back into things, but we all know that wouldn’t end well.

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Voisin gets after it on her first laps back on snow.

What exactly was your injury? What were the complications with it that took so long to heal?

I ended up fracturing my fibula right above my ankle. It’s hard to explain what exactly happened, but it was just a fluke on my part that I had to unfortunately pay for.

I’m guessing that saying you’ve missed skiing would be an understatement?

This is the first injury I have ever had that has put me out of skiing for a long period of time. It was definitely a difficult time and a learning experience missing out on some big opportunities. I have never been so excited to get back on skis. I think part of that has to do with me having a progressive season; I left off on something big and I couldn’t wait to start skiing and continue to progress.

You’ve had quite the year: you won WSI in 2013, podium spots at Dew Tour and X Games, went to the Olympics and dealt with your first big injury. How are you feeling in terms of highs and lows?

What a crazy year. I’m just super honored to have experienced it all. It’s crazy looking back and just realizing all that I did in what people would call my “break out year.” It was definitely a roller coaster but I learned more than I ever thought I would. X Games and the Olympics were the highlights of my season. I never thought I’d see that coming this year. Even though the Olympics didn’t end up how I would of hoped, I was still extremely grateful for the experience.

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Gettin’ jibby wit it.

Now that you’re back to shredding, what’s the immediate goal? Learn more tricks or just have fun summer shredding—since you’ve been out of it for quite some time?

Right now, Im just getting back into the swing of things and having as much fun as possible. After a stressful season it feels amazing to be just taking laps and skiing for myself.

Do you think your upcoming contest season will be any different for you without the added pressure of the Olympics?

This year definitely had some added stress with the Olympics, so I’m excited to be able to just enjoy every moment of next season without having to think about making an Olympic team.

Do you think things will be easier for you this go’round, now that you’ve put your first Dew Tour, X Games and Grand Prix’s behind you?

I think everything will be easier just because I will know what to expect. But, I also have to remember a new season brings new challenges and every year is going to be different. Also, after having such a breakout season this past winter, I want to make sure that I don’t put too much pressure on myself and just remember to have some fun.

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Tearing up the park atop the Whistler glacier.

Do you get nervous before contests, or completely hyped up for them?

I wish I could say I didn’t get nervous, but obviously I want to do well so the nerves are definitely there. As long as I’m not focusing too much on the result, just skiing for myself and having as much fun as possible; that is when my skiing overpowers my nerves.

What’s the one thing you’re looking forward to most this upcoming season?

After experiencing such a crazy season I’m excited to jump into another one, but this season i’m hoping to focus more on my skiing and training. Last season we competed all the way up until the Olympics and it was hard to fit in time for anything besides competing. I am extremely excited to go back to X Games. I’ve never had so much fun at an event.

How have the braces impacted your social skills of late? Whistler is quite the melting pot for young pros.

[laughs] I wouldn’t say the braces have impacted my social skills, but let me tell you, I’ve been having to invest in a lot of toothpicks lately.

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Braces? No problem.

Any new tricks up your sleeve or are you keeping that under wraps?

I definitely have a few things in mind, so we will see where everything takes me.

Since you’re in Whistler, what’s your favorite part about the village there?

As I said before, Whistler is one of my favorite places. Being able to ski and swim in the same day is a great feeling.

Last question: Did you see Justin Bieber when he was up there last weekend?

What, JB was in Whistler?

Related: Brody Leven talks completing badass adventure “Pedal to Peaks”

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