Hiroaki Kunitake stood at the start of the Olympics as a representative of Japan.With so many spectators, countless cameras out there, and a lot of attention, he wasn't even nervous without losing his composure.And he thought: "It's a real game from here. I'm not aiming to get out of the Olympics, I'm going to get medals."However, at the Pyeongchang Olympics, the result was regrettable. At the Olympic Games, where he made his first appearance at the age of 15, he noticed a difference from the rest of the world.It still remains as a tremendous asset in him.
In this article, Kunitake himself will convey in his own words the valuable experience he gained in Pyeongchang and his future perspective.We also talked about ESTIVO clothing that supports his activities.
Japanese champion at the age of 14. The first Olympics to challenge at the age of 15
Snowboarding started at the age of 3 due to my father's influence.By the time I got the hang of it, I was already gliding down the snowy mountains.I was originally from Aichi prefecture, so I wasn't blessed with the environment at all, but on winter weekends, I spent three hours going to ski resorts in Niigata and Gifu with my father's car to hone my skills. rice field.Kunitake, who has continued to grow steadily, has set his immediate goal from playing on the slopes to participating in the tournament.
"I wanted to see how well my skills could be understood at the tournament, so at first I participated in the cross tournament. I talked with my father while analyzing the footage I shot, and always aimed to win the tournament I participated in. I was really happy when I first stood on the podium. After that, I became interested in freestyle slopestyle. Slope can play complex sections such as jumps and jib in my own style. It was purely fun. "
Then, the day will come when the name of Hiroaki Kunitake will be known to the national district. 2016 / Winter, Gifu Prefecture Washigatake Ski Resort. At the age of 14, he participated in the JSBA All Japan Snowboard Championship Slopestyle event.If you look around, most of them are older, and there are more than 80 fierce men who have won the district tournament.Among them, he stood at the top of Japan without hesitation.It's been less than 10 years since I started snowboarding, and it was a great achievement for junior high school students.
After that, he will leave results at domestic and international competitions with the momentum of breaking bamboo.At CARDRONA GAMES 2016, the first world championship in my life, I was proudly second in the slopestyle.Won the REVOLUTION TOUR and TOTAL FIGHT the following season. At the World Cup just before Pyeongchang held in the United States in January 2, if you leave the result of 2018nd place in slopestyle,I grabbed the representative ticket for the second kind of big air, the slopestyle of the Olympics.The first Olympics to challenge at just 2 years old.Kunitake described his experience here.
"In Pyeongchang, I struggled with the influence of the wind and couldn't slip at all.However, in this condition, I thought it was amazing that a good rider adjusted to get a medal even if the skill level was suppressed while considering the influence of the wind.What I learned the most at this Olympics is my inexperience.I participated in domestic and international competitions such as the World Cup, but I felt that I needed to accumulate more experience.It is the experience of participating in well-known big contests such as US OPEN and X-GAMES, where top riders from all over the world are invited.Riders who regularly participate in these competitions were able to make good results in qualifying and finals even if they made mistakes in public practice on the stage of the Olympics.I still don't have enough experience on the big stage.For that reason, I will continue to greedily face snowboarding. "
▼Hiroaki Kunitake 2017/18 season edit
As Kunitake himself says, "I wanted to express my various slips as much as possible," this is the season edit that embodies freestyle snowboarding.
What you can do in the ever-evolving tricks
The spectacular celebration is over and Kunitake was at a ski resort in New Zealand this summer.New Zealand was also the foundation for returning the body, which had been resting a little off after the Olympics, to the top level.Still, it's no wonder that he won the prize at the FIS World Cup Big Air tournament held locally.
"In New Zealand, I stayed for about a month and participated in the tournament while laying the foundation for the winter. After that, I moved to Switzerland to improve the perfection of the technique, and it will be held in each country from now on. We will aim at the World Cup to be held. "
The evolution of techniques is increasing year by year.Most skills are not enough to win a tournament.KunitakeIt is,He laughed and told me that he didn't want any further evolution of the technique, but even so, he couldn't hope for the desired result unless he looked ahead.
"To be honest, I don't want you to do any more tricks than quad cork.But in the tournament, you can't win unless you do high rpm.Actually, by practicing at Saas-Fee in Switzerland last year, I was able to turn it up to BS Quad Cork 1980.But I fell down on landing, so I'd like to try again at the Swiss training camp I'm about to go.The image is pretty good, and I feel like I can make it if the kicker is big.I would like to challenge this technique that no one has done clean makeup yet and the front (FS Quad Cork 1980) beyond that. "
As the tricks evolve so much, how can you bring out your own personality?In a world where no mistake is allowed, minor mistakes can have a big impact on the ranking, and there is a risk of serious injury.Among them, Kunitake, who fights against competing riders, has one more important thing.
"In slopestyle, I wish I could express my creativity in the flow. There are quite a few jumps and jib that I can do the same thing as everyone else, but I don't get any points.I think that winning or losing depends on whether or not you have an idea that you can approach one item in many ways.Check the course carefully, organize the information in a short time, and slide with more creative ideas.I think that's one of the fun things about slopestyle. "
The era of winning with just momentum is over, and from now on, the key is how to express your personality in high-dimensional tricks.The challenge for the next Beijing Olympics is finally in full swingBegan.Starting with New Zealand, we will continue to hold competitions around the world this term.Kunitake, who is about to change battles, has a busy schedule of going back and forth between Japan and overseas.He wears it against the worldTo competeSnowwear is ESTIVO, which has been supported since last season.Even in New ZealandThe brand's favorite clothingDressingI was skiing on the slopes endlessly.
Take a leap forward wearing ESTIVO REVO style
ESTIVO is a domestic wear brand that has been highly evaluated by a wide range of people."REVO style" is a new series that this brand has been confidently proposing since last season.As you can see from his portrait and slip photos, it looks like ordinary apparel, but it is actually a piece of clothing packed with materials and styles that support a comfortable snow life on the slopes.
"At first I was skeptical, but once I wore it, I immediately liked it.It looks good and has a stretching effect, so it's not bulky and it's very easy to move.I'm an innerWear underwear and a T-shirt, and on top of itREVO style's three-layered style is the standard.The hoodie is water repellent so it won't get wet, and the lining is layered with fleece for warmth.At first glance, it looks cold, but you don't have to worry about it.There was no problem with New Zealand in the middle of winter. "
This term, ESTIVOREVOstyle hasMA-1 style jackets, coach jackets, hoodies and much moreThe item has been announced.Moreover, the functions of the first year have been further updated, and moreIt is equipped with high-spec functions.I'm glad that it can be used as it is for after-snow and town use.KunitakeLet's ask more about how to dress normally.
"I especially like hoodies and coach jackets. If it's a little snowy or bad weather, this one is fine. Besides, it's nice to wear it as it is when skating off-snow. There is a zipper in the pocket, so you can carry it with you. It's also convenient not to fall off. Of course, in heavy snow or in extremely cold regions, I wear normal clothing. I wear bib pants, which have an impact but are astringent. The design and coloring of all ESTIVO clothing is fashionable, so I have more fun coordinating the top and bottom. I would like to wear ESTIVO clothing and seek good results at future competitions. "
This term has also been decided as a strengthening player for the SAJ.Aiming for the top of the world is never easy, but heWill continue to do his best.The humiliation I experienced at the Pyeongchang Olympics can only be resolved in Beijing four years later.From the age of 16 who is devoted to the game, a strong will can be seen.The battle between Hiroaki Kunitake and the world, which continues to evolve rapidly, has just begun.
Hiroaki Kunitake
Born February 2002, 2, 10 years old.Height 16 cm, weight 163 kg.Born in Agui Town, Aichi Prefecture.Sponsor is BOOKOFF, Vitamin-i Factory, ESTIVO, RIDE SNOWBOARDS, MAX, SURREAL, SMITH, STANCER, PAP, GALLIUM, Jacky's Holiday
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