Candide Thovex French freestyle star. Date of Birth: 22.05.1982 Country: France

1. Candid Thovex: A French Freestyle Star
2. Early Life and Career
3. X-Games Triumphs
4. The Chads Gap Jump
5. The Candide Invitational and Film Projects
6. Overcoming Adversity
7. Continued Success
8. A Connection with Nature

Candid Thovex: A French Freestyle Star

Candid Thovex, a legend in the world of skiing, visited Moscow at the beginning of winter for the premiere of his own film. Nikita Koroteev met with the pioneer of modern skiing and talked about his career highlights. Thovex, still recovering from a night out in Moscow, shares his fresh impressions.

Early Life and Career

Born and raised in La Clusaz, a famous resort in France known for its challenging terrain, Thovex began practicing freestyle skiing at a young age. He had the opportunity to train with professionals from the age of 15, which allowed him to excel in the sport. Surrounded by a supportive environment, Thovex was constantly pushed to take risks and achieve feats that he wouldn't have dared to attempt among his peers.

X-Games Triumphs

Thovex gained international recognition after winning in all three disciplines (Big Air, Slopestyle, and Superpipe) at the X-Games, the premier extreme sports event. His talent and versatility were compared to that of a hockey player who excels as a goalie, defenseman, and forward in different years. Despite the challenges of transitioning between disciplines, Thovex managed to excel in all of them.

The Chads Gap Jump

Thovex's star moment came with his jump on the famous Chads Gap, a massive ski jump in Utah. At the age of 17, he became the first person to successfully conquer this obstacle. The jump propelled him to instant fame and helped boost the popularity of freestyle skiing. Thovex believes that his success in such a daring feat was possible due to his determination and fearlessness.

The Candide Invitational and Film Projects

In 2003, Thovex organized the Candide Invitational, an event that brought together the best skiers from around the world to share their experiences and push the boundaries of the sport. This event eventually evolved into a festival with concerts and high-quality film productions. Thovex's passion for showcasing his sport and inviting photographers, filmmakers, and producers to capture his adventures greatly contributed to the promotion of freestyle skiing.

Overcoming Adversity

Thovex faced a significant setback in 2007 when he suffered a severe spinal injury while attempting a jump on a massive ramp he built called Berta. The injury jeopardized his career and left doctors skeptical about his return to the sport. However, Thovex spent two years undergoing intense rehabilitation and defied the odds by making a triumphant comeback.

Continued Success

After his recovery, Thovex went on to win various competitions, including a Red Bull event and the Freeride World Tour. His return to freestyle skiing was marked by renewed confidence and a desire to continue pushing the boundaries of the sport. Thovex believes that there is always room for improvement and new challenges in skiing.

A Connection with Nature

Thovex's philosophy revolves around the connection between skiing and nature. He prefers to experience the sport in its purest form, without the interference of technology or man-made structures. Thovex's desire to maintain this connection led him to reject the idea of cutting down a tree for a better filming angle, emphasizing his commitment to preserving the natural beauty of skiing.

In conclusion, Candid Thovex's incredible career in freestyle skiing has solidified his status as a French freestyle star. His achievements, daring feats, and dedication to the sport have earned him a place among the legends of skiing. Thovex continues to inspire and push the boundaries of what is possible in freestyle skiing, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and its community.