Lewis Irving

Tell us about you! Why and how did you get into your sport?
My name is Lewis Irving and I'm from Quebec City. I was born on the first snow storm of the year and the first thing my grandma said when she saw me was "ca va etre un petit skieur ca!!" I was invited to try out the water ramp in Quebec City one summer and was immediately hooked on the feeling of flying off a jump and doing tricks "normal" people think is impossible!

What's a fun fact about you?
I ALWAYS have candy on me. I love to eat good food and simply hangout with people close to me. When I'm not training I just want to chill and enjoy all the small things in life. My favourite activity is definitely trying out new restaurants!

What are your goals and aspirations?
My goal regarding sport is pretty simple, I want to leave a legacy. Obviously I strive to perform and get medals, still need that world cup gold, a podium at world champs, some Olympic hardware and a crystal globe. But at the end of the day I want to be able to look back at my career and say that I left my mark. And that means everything from results to helping the next generation and being a positive role model for anyone wanting to be the best they can be!

What has been your biggest challenge throughout your career? How did you overcome it?
My biggest challenge so far has been coming back from a bad hip injury which happened after a crash in 2017. Right then we knew I needed surgery, however if I had done it right away there was no way I would have made it to the 2018 Olympics. So with the help of my coaches and medical staff we found a way to grind out what was probably the most painful year of my life. We just took it one day at a time and never lost sight of what might be waiting at the end of the line, a spot on the Olympic team. I could not have done it without their help and it just proves that even if aerials is an individual sport there is nothing more important than the team around you!

Injury is a part of life and sport - how did you deal with yours?
I was lucky to have an amazing medical team take care of me. They had a very detailed plan on what I needed to do in order to rehab properly and come back 100%. We went VERY slow and basically rebuilt from ground zero. I was in the gym every single day for 13 months and we just took our time, not rushing any exercises or trying to push too hard. By the end of it all I was stronger and fitter than I had ever been. At the end of the day rehabbing is all about taking your time and working on the little things that sometimes get over looked when we are so focused on performing and winning that next event.

What gets you the most excited about Stoko?
First of all the product is great, it works just as, if not better than, advertised. And I love a company that really believes in their product and cares about their client. The team behind the K1s are amazing and really made me feel like I am taken care of and that they want the best for me just as much as I want to be the best!

Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
Got to have my SweetTarts!! 98% of the time you can find a half roll of SweetTarts in my jumping suit pocket, if not, I've got another similar candy sitting there. But I always have candy when I jump on snow. Always.

Favourite snack before/after a sweat session?
Nothing satisfies me more after a hard training session than a slice (full) pizza! Any pizza.

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Career Highlights:
• 2018 Olympic Winter Games
• 2016 FIS Rookie of the Year
• 2014 FIS Nor Am champion
• 2015 Freestyle Canada Male Rookie of the Year