Laurianne Desmarais-Gilbert

Tell us about you! Why and how did you get into your sport?
My name is Laurianne Desmarais-Gilbert, I live in Sainte-Adèle, QC and I am a mogul skier on the Canadian team. Me and my sister would ski natural bumps with our mom all the time when we were younger, and we were always racing down to find out who could go faster. This competitiveness led us to start mogul skiing!

What's a fun fact about you?
I love road biking, hiking and camping with friends or family. And I absolutely love ice cream!

What are your goals and aspirations?
I want to go to the 2026 Olympics with my sister Valerie who is also on the Canadian team.

What has been your biggest challenge throughout your career? How did you overcome it?
The first year I wanted to make the Canadian team, I didn't make the cut. I was crushed. It took me a few days to get over it, but I ended up telling myself: ''You know what? Make them regret that decision. Show them who you are.'' And this made me work even harder, motivating me to push my limits and become a better athlete. A year later, I made the team and could not have been more proud of myself for not quitting.

Injury is a part of life and sport - how did you deal with yours?
I was out of the game for a few weeks in 2018 for straining my hamstring - nothing serious, but just enough to prevent me from training at 100%. The only thing for me to do was listen to my body and try not to over do it; eventually, I got to get back to the sport I love and it made me appreciate it even more.

What gets you the most excited about Stoko?
The K1 is revolutionary. Being a mogul skier, knee injuries are the worst thing that can happen to you. So to know that the K1 can actually help protect against it, it's a game changer! Also, I went in to the Vancouver office and met some amazing people from the Stoko team: I loved the feeling of being part of the family, not just another ambassador that no ones care about!

Do you have any pre-competition rituals?
I try not to have to, but I like to listen to some songs that hype me up to get ready and excited for the day!

Favourite snack before/after a sweat session?
An apple and mozarella cheese.

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Career Highlights:
• 2017 - 6th in single at Junior Worlds
• 2018 - 4th in dual at Senior in Jasper
• 2018 - 7th in dual at Noram in Park City