At just eight-years-old, freestyle skier Henry Sildaru has already won a gold medal in a competition in Canada. Tipped as a bright prospect for the future, he travels around the world practicing and showing off his skills.
The Estonian, who is XDubai’s youngest ambassador, spoke to Sport360 about his love for the sport, what his goals are and why he rates his older sister and skier Kelly as his favourite role model.
How did you get into freestyle skiing?
In my family, skiing has always been the number one hobby. My dad Tonis practises skiing and the passion followed through the family. I remember when I was three-years-old, I tried the ski gear of my older sister Kelly and posed for pictures because it was really cool to see her practice. Later I went to a ski resort and skied with Kelly and my dad. I went on the small slopes and found the experience simply amazing and it’s something I thoroughly enjoyed.
Did Estonia’s consistent snowfall play a part in you taking up the sport?
Yes, it did. We go on winter holidays and do a lot of skiing, so it’s very helpful to practice in my home country as well. The winter season in Estonia is not that long maybe six months and to gain as much practice as possible, I travel to other countries like Sweden to practice. It’s quite challenging but in order to practice and develop you need to travel to other countries.
You won gold in the Horse Shoe Open this year. How did that feel?
An international win is always a big leap for confidence and motivation. Being a young skier from a tiny country most people don’t even know exists and to win on the international scene creates a much more interesting story to tell. It was a special achievement for my parents also as each win is a benchmark to continue striving. All achievements are very important stepping stones to the ultimate goal and vision.
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Are you not scared to perform any jumps?
No, not really. My dad is always there to support me, but I take it step by step. If you’re scared, then there’s no point skiing but when you complete a jump it’s a pretty cool feeling.
What did you make of your visit to Ski Dubai?
I was impressed by their facilities, especially for an indoor venue. It’s amazing to have this facility in a very hot country as it can attract more people to skiing. The first time I had gone indoors was in the Netherlands but the snow in Ski Dubai is so much cleaner and better than it is there.
How do you combine your studies and skiing?
I take all my books with me and do my school work when I go abroad. When I’m in Estonia, I go to school as much as I can because studying is very important for me. At times it’s hard combining both, but I manage it well because my family is there to support me.
What are your future goals?
There’s no doubt that I want to become an Olympic champion. To become the best of the best in any sport is equally hard because at the end of the day you have to work hard and strive. With the right support from my parents and sponsors I can become the best of the best. But my first goal is to qualify for the Winter X Games and it happens every year so it would mean a lot. The Winter Olympics is one of the main sporting events in the world.
Skiing prodigy Henry Sildaru is making the most of his time in #mydubai! #XDubai #DefyYourLimits: Naim Chidiac pic.twitter.com/IrWtyLflio
— XDubai (@xdubaiofficial) June 15, 2015
What would it mean to compete in that?
The feeling when you are representing your country will be something extraordinary. You can see on television that people are really proud of themselves and that is something I want to do in the future. Your 14-year-old sister Kelly also skis and is a bright prospect.
Is she someone you look up to?
Yes most definitely. My objective is to become better than her as she is my bigger sister. In sport, siblings always try to overcome each other by being better and I love practicing with her as she is my favourite skier. We practice against each other a lot and she helps me by giving tips on how to do things differently whether it’s speed or agility work.
How often do you train?
I practice six days a week and it depends what I do but usually it varies from two to five hours. But it normally involves swimming, jumping, cycling, skating and rock-climbing. The key ingredients in becoming a successful skier is aerial awareness and balance.
Need motivation? 8 year old ski hero Henry Sildaru spends every minute he can tearing up the slopes! #DefyYourLimits pic.twitter.com/MLRx5gPn8z
— XDubai (@xdubaiofficial) May 29, 2015
Does skiing conditions differ from Estonia than any other countries?
We don’t have many mountains in Estonia so when I do go to other countries like France or New Zealand, I do find them challenging but fun also.
What other sports do you like?
I like watching tennis but have never played it. I love Barcelona especially Lionel Messi because he’s an amazing player and love watching him play.
How do you pass your time when you are not skiing?
I really enjoy reading especially diaries as they’re very interesting and it helps me keep focused when I’m not thinking of skiing.
What’s your plan for the rest of the year?
I will go to France and New Zealand to get practice and hopefully enter some competitions. I want to get as much practice as possible and see what the future brings.
