Jess Rich is on the road to bigger and better things in 2017 Photo: Instagram @jessrich_ It’s been a gradual improvement, but improvement nonetheless for Jessica Rich this season.
Her 21st place in the opening Austrian WC was followed up in Laax, Switzerland last week with a performance that garnered 20th spot and valuable Olympic qualification points.
But as the road to PyeongChang nears, the OWIA/NSWIS athlete will be keen to ensure that improvement is consistent, continuing with the tour’s third event in Sieser Alm, Italy starting tonight (AEDT).
It’s been a great start to Rich’s first European tour, just a year after securing her professional contract and a place in the OWIA program.
Now with the focus on putting down complete runs to try and break into that first final, Rich has a clear understanding on what she needs to make that cut.
"I think the most important thing when competing is mental clarity," Rich said.
"This has always been an area I needed work on, and over the past year I have really tried to put in the time for mental training as well as physical training and I think it is paying off."
"There were a few undesirable things that happened in Laax but I was really happy with how I was able to process them and move on without letting them affect me."
Rich knows she has the skills and tricks to match it at the level, but now the 26-year-old must also deal with the pressure and expectations that come at the World Cup level.
"I feel I am a technically strong snowboarder but trying to execute everything well when you are in a high pressure situation with many changing variables, that is the next big challenge for me.
Qualification starts at 6:45pm tonight (AEDT) and all eyes will be on Jess to see how big and exciting her next step will be.
Her 21st place in the opening Austrian WC was followed up in Laax, Switzerland last week with a performance that garnered 20th spot and valuable Olympic qualification points.
But as the road to PyeongChang nears, the OWIA/NSWIS athlete will be keen to ensure that improvement is consistent, continuing with the tour’s third event in Sieser Alm, Italy starting tonight (AEDT).
It’s been a great start to Rich’s first European tour, just a year after securing her professional contract and a place in the OWIA program.
Now with the focus on putting down complete runs to try and break into that first final, Rich has a clear understanding on what she needs to make that cut.
"I think the most important thing when competing is mental clarity," Rich said.
"This has always been an area I needed work on, and over the past year I have really tried to put in the time for mental training as well as physical training and I think it is paying off."
"There were a few undesirable things that happened in Laax but I was really happy with how I was able to process them and move on without letting them affect me."
Rich knows she has the skills and tricks to match it at the level, but now the 26-year-old must also deal with the pressure and expectations that come at the World Cup level.
"I feel I am a technically strong snowboarder but trying to execute everything well when you are in a high pressure situation with many changing variables, that is the next big challenge for me.
Qualification starts at 6:45pm tonight (AEDT) and all eyes will be on Jess to see how big and exciting her next step will be.
RSS Feed
