Freestyle skier Audrey Robichaud's career began on the slopes of her native Quebec when she was just four years old.
Since then, the 24-year-old has gone on to compete in the 2006 Olympics, take third place overall last year in the World Cup circuit and win first spot at the Naeba World Cup this year.
With the competitive season currently ramping up,
Pique caught up with Robichaud to talk about the role of music in her training and what tunes help get her pumped.
Spoiler alert: there are a lot of 'em. Her e-mailed (and very eclectic) playlist came with an apology. "Sorry if I'm sending a lot of songs," she wrote. "I honestly couldn't pick!"
Pique: When do you ride/ski and listen to music?
Audrey Robichaud: I listen to music all the time, except when I'm competing. I need to hear the starter, especially during duals since it's all about a fast start.
Pique: Do you listen to different kinds of music when you train versus compete? If so, what's the difference?
Robichaud: I don't have a different playlist, but I like to listen to a really good song (that) I'm loving at the moment, right before my run.
Pique: What role does music play for you?
Robichaud: Music helps me to stay focused, especially right before my run. I don't like to hear everyone's score or what's going on. I love to cut all outside sound or noise so I can think only about my run. Music also gives me lots of energy when I'm training. I love going down a run with my favourite song. It motivates me in a certain way.
Pique: Do you make playlists? If so, can you tell me a bit about that process?
Robichaud: It's not much of a process. I search online for new music and if I'm feeling it, it's making it to my shuffle. The girls on my team and I have a Dropbox file where we put music we like in. It's funny because even though we live far from each other we stay connected through music. Also, my boyfriend and I have very similar taste in music, so we often share. He usually sends me songs that will get me pumped to train or compete.
Pique: What has been your best musical discovery this year?
Robichaud: SRH (Montreal hip hop artist) and E-dubble (Baltimore rapper).
Robichaud's mountain playlist
1. "Maybe Something" by Xavier Marquis
2. "Me and You" by Nero
3. "The Kick" by XV
4. "Bucket List" by Nelly Furtado
5. "Something Better" by E-dubble
6. "Nyce 2 Know Ya" by K-OS
7. "Girls Like You" by The Naked and Famous
8. "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys
9. "Figure 8" by Ellie Goulding
10. "Affection" by Crystle Castles
