Mike Robertson

Sport: Snowboard (cross)

Hometown: Canmore, Alberta

Born: 1987

Living in Canmore has helped my success because of the mountains all around. There are world class ski resorts here. There are so many great sports to do in the mountains and they are all just outside my front door.

When I’m competing in the winter, a typical day in my life involves waking up and going snowboarding, then some eating and some sleeping and repeating everything the next day. In the summer, I  spend a lot of time in the gym working out. I also try to mountain bike and do other outdoor activities as much as possible. Our team also travels a lot in the summer—we’re like other winter sports athletes, we’re always trying to find snow.

I am still hoping to have a prouder moment. But so far my proudest moment happened last season at the Cypress World Cup in West Vancouver, where I finished second.  This was the Olympic test event, so to prove to myself that I do have a chance was amazing. The best part of this experience was that my family was there, it was such a great feeling to see their faces.

I’ve been in this sport since I was 14 and for years, and all that time I have been looking up to other athletes to see how to be successful and reach my goals. Leadership is a big part of sport. I would like people who look up to me to see a positive image. Snowboard might have a bit of a rebel image, but I try to act as someone others want to look up to.

When I talk to young athletes abot getting involved in competitive sport, my best advice is: you have to love what you are doing, have fun!
My latest hero would be Greg Mortenson. I recently read his book, [italics] Three Cups of Tea: One Man Mission to Promote Peace . . . Oe School at a Time [end italics].  In the past 15 years, he’s established more than 90 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. He’s also made it his mission to tell Westerners about the causes of terrorism.

NBC newscaster Tom Brokaw says Greg is “one ordinary person, with the right combination of character and determination, who is really changing the world.” I think his perserverance and determination to accomplish what he set out to do are outstanding.

More about Mike Robertson

Gender: Male

Home Hill: Lake Louise

Other Sport Highlights:

• Seventh-place at Stoneham (Canada) World Cup and ninth-place finish at La Molina (Spain) World Cup in 2009
• Ninth place finish at Chile World Cup in October 2007
• Receiving the Neil Daffern Award for Excellence in snowboard.