The snowboarder is the first Italian ever to reach this milestone: “The first one in 2002 was a whole different world. My future? Every morning in the barn. But maybe also with an Olympic medal around my neck.”

Happiness is cold air on your face. Under your feet, a board, the secret elixir of eternal youth. In front of him, everywhere, only mountains. This is the stage for Roland Fischnaller, who is preparing to compete in his historic seventh Olympics at the Milan-Cortina Games, at the age of 45, becoming the first Italian ever to compete in seven Winter Olympics.

Roland, there are only a few days left until the start of the Games. How are you feeling?

“Very good. On Saturday, in the World Cup in Slovenia, I took home a nice second place in a photo finish. I’m enjoying myself on the board, which is the most important thing. I can’t wait to be in Livigno and compete in these Olympics on home turf.”

How exciting will it be to compete in Italy?

“Having already competed in the Games in Turin, I know it will be incredible. You feel complete pride and total joy. And then I’m happy about the spectacle we’ll see in Livigno: with so much snow, it will be the most beautiful Olympics in recent years. The images of our beautiful Italy will undoubtedly be seen around the world.”

No other Italian athlete has competed in as many Winter Games

This will be your seventh Olympics. Does that number impress you?

“I’m thrilled about this achievement, but what makes me most proud is being able to say that I gave it my all. My mom always told me, ‘If you do something, you have to do it well, to the best of your ability. And I can look inside myself and say that I did that with snowboarding.“

What memories do you have of your first Games?

”We were in the United States, in Salt Lake City, 24 years ago… I remember a sea of people, so much enthusiasm… it seems like another world when I think back on it today: no social media, completely different communication. For me, it was my first stage at that level, I was just a kid with his board, driven by emotion.”

What advice would you give that kid today?

“I would tell him not to let unexpected events get him down. I suffered a lot from knee pain, I didn’t know if I would be able to continue my career for long, but here we are. So I would tell him not to worry too much.“

You’ve won almost everything in your career, but you’re missing an Olympic podium, which you came close to at the last Games. Do you feel the pressure to achieve it now?

”No, I’m calm. I want to enjoy these Olympics at home and compete to the best of my ability. I feel very good physically, so I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have any goals, but I’m calm.“

You called the Italian team ”the strongest ever.“ What do you like about this group?

”In addition to the objective results we’re seeing this season, I think there’s a lot of positivity, respect, and a desire to have fun and do well. It’s the right mix. There’s tension—which is normal before the Games—but it’s a good kind of sporting tension.”

My children snowboard, and they’re very good at it.

Roland Fischnaller
Italian snowboarder

What is your role within this group?

“I feel a bit like the captain, or perhaps the grandfather of the group. I am 27 years older than the youngest members, and I have a lot of fun with them. Training together is stimulating for everyone, and the guys help me use social media and upload photos…”

How do you see yourself after the Games?

“Like a typical South Tyrolean farmer, in the barn every morning, happy and proud in my Val di Funes alongside my family. But maybe with an Olympic medal around my neck.”

Do your two children, Heidi and Florian, snowboard too?

“Yes. On Saturday, when I came second in the World Cup, Heidi also came second in her race! They are very good on their boards, they have plenty of talent. I especially like that they have fun, that they are surrounded by nature and that they learn everything that sport can teach them.“

What has snowboarding taught you?

”Dedication, commitment, but also the fun and joy of being able to achieve something great, beyond your dreams.”

And what have the mountains taught you?

“To keep your senses alert. You have to listen to them to understand when they can be dangerous. When you know how to recognize that, it’s joy and beauty.”