Freestyle skier Mac Forehand is a top contender for the gold medal at the Olympics, with his latest trick being hailed as a game-changer in the sport. But what makes this particular trick so daunting? For Forehand, the key lies in "going blind" - literally and figuratively.
When executing a particularly complex trick, Forehand breaks it down into three separate flips, thinking about each one individually. He also has to consider his body position and where he's grabbing onto the board, with various grabs available depending on the situation. This level of mental preparation is crucial in freestyle skiing, where awareness of air is essential.
Forehand's progression through tricks starts with a basic 1260 mute, which he learned at age 17 and can now perform with his eyes closed. The next step up was the 1620 switch, which he mastered last year and did well in various events. However, it's the latest trick - a 19[80] - that Forehand has been working on this year.
This new trick requires Forehand to "go blind" for a second, where he looks over his shoulder without seeing what's happening. It's terrifying, as there are too many variables at play and one wrong move could result in serious injury. But when done correctly, it can lead to a successful rotation in the middle of the trick.
Forehand acknowledges that taking off is crucial in freestyle skiing. Getting the right power - the amount of spin and flip, as well as body positioning - is essential for success. If the takeoff is rushed or the timing is off, Forehand risks not spinning enough or landing incorrectly.
With his latest trick being hailed as a game-changer, Forehand's confidence has grown significantly. He knows that if he gets it right, he can secure the gold medal at the Olympics. For him, it's do-or-die - succeed or face the consequences of failure.
When executing a particularly complex trick, Forehand breaks it down into three separate flips, thinking about each one individually. He also has to consider his body position and where he's grabbing onto the board, with various grabs available depending on the situation. This level of mental preparation is crucial in freestyle skiing, where awareness of air is essential.
Forehand's progression through tricks starts with a basic 1260 mute, which he learned at age 17 and can now perform with his eyes closed. The next step up was the 1620 switch, which he mastered last year and did well in various events. However, it's the latest trick - a 19[80] - that Forehand has been working on this year.
This new trick requires Forehand to "go blind" for a second, where he looks over his shoulder without seeing what's happening. It's terrifying, as there are too many variables at play and one wrong move could result in serious injury. But when done correctly, it can lead to a successful rotation in the middle of the trick.
Forehand acknowledges that taking off is crucial in freestyle skiing. Getting the right power - the amount of spin and flip, as well as body positioning - is essential for success. If the takeoff is rushed or the timing is off, Forehand risks not spinning enough or landing incorrectly.
With his latest trick being hailed as a game-changer, Forehand's confidence has grown significantly. He knows that if he gets it right, he can secure the gold medal at the Olympics. For him, it's do-or-die - succeed or face the consequences of failure.
I mean, going blind literally and figuratively for a trick? That's just mental prep on another level! 
well, that can be disastrous. I'm rooting for him all the way! 
I mean, going blind literally? That takes balls... or should I say, it takes a whole lot of focus 
how does he even focus with all those variables to consider? like, what if he looks away for a sec and loses his balance? 
still gotta give it to him tho, the man is a GENIUS 
[link to freestyle skiing trick vid]
19[80] is like a death defying stunt! Forehand must be super confident and focused to try that out... 1260 mute at 17? That's already impressive, but the switch trick last year was more challenging. This new one takes it to another level 
. Forehand's gotta have this laser-sharp awareness of his body position, grabs, and timing all at once 
. And yeah, taking off is literally half the battle in freestyle skiing – one wrong move could be disastrous 
. I'm loving how confident he seems now – it's like he's got this trick nailed down! Can't wait to see him do it live