X Games Aspen 2015: Get To Know Arielle Gold

Arielle Gold

Hometown: Steamboat Springs, Co

Age: 18

Aspen Discipline: Women’s Snowboard SuperPipe

Stats: 2 X Games Bronze, 1 Gold FIS Snowboard World Championships

“I wanna be on you”

Arielle: Yes, it is true that people call me Ron Burgandy! When “Anchorman” originally came out, I was only about 7 years old. After seeing it for the first time, around age 9, I got a little bit obsessive with quoting the movie – even some of the least appropriate parts for someone that was my age! I would be at the top of an event, and randomly start quoting parts of the movie that no 9 year-old should ever be saying. Not long after that, I decided that it would be funny to start calling all of my boy coaches girl names. Colin was Coleen, Luke was Louise, you get the point. Eventually they started calling me Ron, which eventually turned into Ron Burgundy. They call me Burgundy, Ron, or Ron Burgundy. It caught on pretty quick.

Beyond the snowboard

Josh: It seems your biggest passion might be saving animals?

Arielle: That’s hard to say. Although I am passionate about snowboarding, it wasn’t always something that I held close to my heart. I didn’t necessarily start loving the sport until I was 12 or 13, but I have loved animals my entire life. I see so many animals that aren’t being treated the way that they deserve, and I want to help. I figured that I could use some of the “pull” that I have from being a professional athlete in order to benefit others, especially those who can’t speak for themselves.

Josh: After reading about you, it seems you’ve had some really supportive parents who have inspired you over the years, but certainly having an older brother who made the Olympics has certainly played its part as well. What has that journey been like? Where in the world does your family get the snowboard gene?

Arielle: This journey has been one that I will never forget. Our parents have supported everything that we have done since the beginning, and I couldn’t possibly have made it where I am today without their help. Although I’m sure that they would’ve preferred to see us playing tennis or doing something a bit less dangerous, they have been at practically every event since the beginning, and I am so grateful for that.

An Olympic dream on hold

Josh: Explain what happened in Sochi and how did you keep your spirits up? Was that incident one of the most challenging things you’ve had to deal with in your life?

Arielle: Sochi was definitely a struggle for me. The conditions didn’t necessarily cater to the elite level of competition that you would hope for at the Olympics, so we just had to make the most out of the hand that we were dealt. For me, things just didn’t work out. I ended up catching an edge in the transition of the half pipe while doing a trick that I have done hundreds of times. This caused my legs to go over my head (what snowboarders like to call a “scorpion”) which resulted in a dislocated shoulder, and one of the most painful injuries of my life; both mentally and physically. I spent the first few weeks after the Olympics in a bit of a shock, I think that I was probably a little bit in denial. I still am. But I guess that I just spent my time focusing on what I could control- getting better.

I got into rehab basically as soon as I got home, and am thankful to say that I was able to get my shoulder back to where it was before my accident, if not stronger.

The inspiration

Josh: When I say the name Bryan Warnecke, what comes to mind?

Arielle: When I think of Bryan Warnecke, all that I can think about is inspiration. Bryan is a 16 year-old Colorado boy that has been living with Cystic Fibrosis for his entire life. He is an avid cyclist, and through cycling he has raised over $300,000 for CF research. Rather than letting his disease bring him down and hinder his ability to live a fulfilling life, Bryan chooses to use it as motivation to live every minute of his life to the fullest, and try to make a positive difference while doing so.

I originally heard about Bryan through my dad, who saw a music video that OneRepublic made to their song “I Lived,” which is based around Bryan’s story. After seeing his video, we decided to invite Bryan out to one of the first snowboard events of the season, The Dew Tour. This event is in Breckenridge, which is relatively close to Bryan’s home in Denver. Bryan and his father were able to come and watch the event, while skiing and simply enjoying some time out of the city. I was fortunate enough to spend a bit of time talking to Bryan between events, and he is a great kid. I’m hoping that we will be able to stay connected, and hopefully bring him out to more events in the future!

Josh: What makes you different from any other snowboarder?

Arielle: That’s a tough one. Every snowboarder has their own unique “style,” and the same goes for me. I just try to make sure that all of the tricks that I do are grabbed and look good, because that’s what is the most important to me.

Josh: What’s one thing you’re willing to share with your fans that they definitely don’t know about you?

Arielle: Another tough one. Most people don’t know that I have two horses, and spend basically my entire summer with them. A lot of people also don’t know about the passion that I have for animals in general, and the fact that I am a huge advocate for animal rescues. Of course this is something that I would love for more people to know about, in hopes that I can encourage more people to adopt shelter pets, as opposed to buying them from pet stores/breeders.

Josh: No. 1 thing you’re looking forward to about X Games Aspen?

Arielle: It’s hard to pick one thing. The halfpipe at X Games is always amazing, but there are so many things that this event brings to the table that others just don’t. They treat the athletes better than any other event, there’s always a huge crowd that is super interactive and supportive, and I get to compete alongside the athletes that I have looked up to for years.

Josh: Why should we root for Arielle Gold?

Arielle: Well, I honestly can’t tell you that. I just hope that you will have the opportunity to see me ride, and decide for yourself!