He won the inaugural Red Bull Linecatcher freeskiing contest in 2009 and is considered a true artist on and off the snow, but Canada’s Anthony Boronowski is happiest out of the media spotlight. We talked to him during the 2011 event in Vars, France and found out why there’s little room for ego in his sport.
“Everyone here is so good that we all have an equal opportunity to win,” says 28-year-old Anthony, who stormed to victory in the first ever Linecatcher contest three years ago. “I try to enjoy being here with the guys and I don’t get to see a lot of them during the winter, so it’s great to ski together when we have the opportunity. I try to embrace that. Sure, it’s nice to win, but there are so many variables in this contest. To expect to win is unrealistic.”
To understand the solidarity shared among the riders taking part in this epic backcountry freeskiing contest, you only have to watch them high-fiving and cheering as each athlete comes hurtling through the finish gate and swerves to a halt on the snow.
“We all come from a background which isn’t based on winning – we enjoy skiing for skiing. All we do is ski!” continues Anthony, a regular in film segments with Poor Boyz among others, as well as displaying talent behind the camera with Nimbus Independent in more recent times. “We’re not always trying to beat each other. The sense of brotherhood is something really special in the group and I love that about the guys I get to be with. It’s definitely unique, and you don’t see it much in other sports.”
'To appreciate each other is a really big part of what we do' – Anthony Boronowski
With ages ranging from ‘only-just-legal’ to ‘should-know-better’, the 16 riders taking part in Monday’s outstanding Final were quick to commiserate for a tumble-laden run but even quicker to celebrate a gravity-defying, perfectly executed trick. It was a great display of camaraderie, reinforcing the sense of community shared among these riders from across the globe.
“There’s something to be said for people who can place their ego aside and compete against each other and appreciate those achievements,” agrees Anthony, before sharing his wisdom about the 2011 result. “Sean [Pettit] is like a blessed talent and has been skiing in Whistler like this for years. He’s a natural leader but everyone in the field is super strong. I thought Sage [Cattabriga-Alosa] would be up there and Richie Permin is really great. Everyone has an equal opportunity of winning.”
With the harsh backcountry conditions, insatiable appetite for bigger jumps and a constant desire to push the limits further, the riders rely on each other – as well as their own instincts – to remain safe. There is little room for ego with so much at stake, which explains the intriguing dynamic of this crazy band of brothers.
Anthony elaborates: “It comes from the fact that we are connected to so much more. When you’re skiing, you’re dependent on the snow and the group you’re with. You share that dependency with each other. It is bigger than just you or your achievements. When we’re filming, we definitely work together to be productive. To appreciate each other is a really big part of what we do.”
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