In Their Words: Dominique Maltais
Feb 22, 2008
The Torino 2006 Olympic Winter Games was the first time snowboard cross would be contested at an Olympic Games. In her own Olympic Games debut in Torino, snowboarder Dominique Maltais of Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, Québec won a bronze medal. So far she has been on the World Cup podium seven times in her snowboarding career.
Le Massif’s “Little Girl” by Dominique Maltais
I was born near Le Massif, a ski resort in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François in Québec. I was very active as a small child, always wanting to experience new sensations. At the age of five, I would follow my parents, skiing on the snow-covered trails of the ski resorts in Québec City — I didn’t start snowboarding until I was around 11 years old.
Snowboarding was a new activity at the time, and considered an extreme sport. I fully intended to master this skill and make it more popular with my friends. With this in mind, I asked my parents for a complete set of equipment as a gift for the following season so that I could get down to the task.
My first downhill run was a disaster: I cried all the way down the first half of the slope, swearing to myself that I would never put my feet into the boots again. Because I was very stubborn even at that age, I couldn’t keep from talking about this dreadful experience. So, I was back on my board a few days later, more determined than ever. Since that time, I haven’t missed a single snowstorm day when I’m in Québec.
Anybody looking for me didn’t have far to go: I would be on my snowboard, looking for jumps or powder. I watched snowboarding movies with my friends and dreamed of one day being part of this group of national team professionals.
As the "little girl from Le Massif", I was already taking part in a number of promotional activities, but I didn’t feel any desire to leave my home community. After hearing the same question, "Why don’t you go into competition?” repeated hundreds of times, I decided to try my luck.
In my very first year, I won every competition in the Québec City area — and that’s how my career began.
Snowboarding is a major component of who I am — it’s part of my life, my lifestyle, giving me a feeling of freedom and the ability to dream.
The Vancouver 2010 Games
I never expected that I would one day have a chance to compete in the Olympics, and even less so, right here in Canada, before thousands of Canadians. After my first time as an Olympic athlete, at the Torino 2006 Games, I can’t wait to repeat the experience in my own country.
I remember what the atmosphere was like at the time when the Italian team entered the stadium, and I’m eager to live this moment as a Canadian in my own country, watched by my friends and loved ones. It’s an experience that few Olympians can brag about.
The Olympic experience
Everything about the Games is unforgettable: the Olympic Village, the athletes, the people who work at the site, as well as the atmosphere and the surroundings. It’s a wonderful world that sometimes seems unreal to us. My personal philosophy is to always live the present moment to its fullest. Whatever might happen and whatever the results, it’s important to come back with great memories. Putting my whole heart into it and never giving up — because bringing home a bronze medal is one of my greatest accomplishments to date.
My Family
They’ve always been there for me, believed in me and supported me in all the life choices I’ve made. My family members are my biggest fans, and they’ve made it possible for me to continue after the most challenging ordeals. They represent my roots and they’re my primary source of energy!
It’s all the more entertaining to come home and hear the race described by my five-year-old niece, who knows almost nothing about snowboarding but who saw her “Aunt Dodo” on TV and wants to win her own bronze medal at a future Olympics!
In Their Words Series
In Their Words is a celebration of the two-year countdown to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. This 17-part series is comprised of personal stories written by Olympians and leaders with a passion for the Games. Visit vancouver2010.com every day from February 12 to 28 for a fresh story of inspiration, triumph and hope.
In TheirWords: Kristi Richards
InTheir Words:François-Louis Tremblay
InTheir Words:Dominique Maltais
InTheir Words:Johann Olav Koss
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