My Choice
Couple of days ago I had a chance to go to the Olympics. One fo the Finnish guys was injured and I was nominated to replace him. When I got the sms from the couch of the Finnish snowboard team I was sitting in a car after a great day of fresh powder in Sapporo Kokusai resort, Japan. After a night I decided not to go to the Olympics. In the beginning of the season I really wanted to compete there, but after my crash at Copper Mountain I was thinking what I wanted to do with my snowboarding: to do what would be the easiest way and what everyone else is doing or to do something else. If you compete, do well and get your fame that way it's easy to get stuck in there but it's hard to get out. So I think there isn't a much more radical way to do the chance than now. And If you're just thinking about your sponsors then you'd be entering the Olympics from the wrong reasons. This doesn't mean I'm done with comps. I have always wanted to do more other stuff such as filming, and now as I have my own site I want to focus on it 100 percent to do it the best way possible. So yes: I have recovered from my slam. And no: I didn't leave my place to another rider to show some "athlete spirit". I didn't go to the Olympics because I didn't wanted to. I'm riding now better than ever and having more fun than ever! Right now I'm drinking my first beer after an awesome day of Japanese powder in Niseko. Things couldn't be better!
Comments
yes, this is the right way of thinking about snowboarding!
RESPECT ANTTI!
You made the right choice! Olympic Games - is the death of snowboarding as fun.
Awesome Antti!
This decision totally makes sense with the current atmosphere that Olympics have made to snowboarding for the past decade and so on. Suddenly everything got super-sized and too technical. With every aspect i can think of Olympics are not the best platform for creative lifestyle as much as i can agree it being a field of sport. Long live ski-jumping!
Glad to hear you’ve fully recovered bro. And glad to see isnt the end of comps for you! Looking forward to seeing you around the tour next season.
yes antti. best decision! have fun in japaaan!!
Yeah Antti! Pure sole brother! Kill it in Japan
Olympics are just for the fame. well… If you do not dream about Canada 
Hei Antti!
I really think you made the right decision not to take in the olympics!! I hope you a great time boarding in japan!
Best Regards
Hey Antti!
I think it’s a cool decision… I mean… powder and beer sounds like the better choice! 
Enjoy!
Antti,
Brave choice, sometimes its too easy to go the expected way, the road least taken often results in the most interesting journey..
Glad to hear of your excellent recovery. Keep riding.
Paul Chodkowski
St. Anthony Summit Medical Center
Frisco, CO
....after how you go robbed in Italy who can blame you!
nice choice man, enjoy your powder, i’ll enjoy my knee injury :D