In the second part of a series exploring the impact of climate change on winter sports, freestyle skier Marion Thénault reflects on the changing landscape she has witnessed over the past seven years. While she has enjoyed the beauty of snowy slopes essential for her aerials discipline, she has also observed the harsh effects of climate change on her sport and surroundings.
Thénault recalls competitions where real grass covered the mountains, contrasting starkly with the artificial snow used for the event. This unnatural setting left her feeling out of place and unwelcome. Additionally, she has experienced firsthand how melting snow alters performance, affecting the precision and speed required for her jumps.
A study commissioned by the International Olympic Committee in 2024 revealed a dwindling number of suitable locations for hosting future Winter Olympic Games due to climate change. This poses a significant threat to winter sports practitioners like Thénault, prompting them to raise awareness and advocate for environmental conservation.
Thénault, driven by her experiences and observations, has embarked on a mission to make her journey to the upcoming Olympics carbon neutral. Collaborating with experts to measure her carbon footprint, she joins other athletes in urging swift action against climate change.
As the IOC aims to reduce emissions and promote sustainability, discussions are underway about potentially rotating the Winter Games among a limited number of permanent venues. This proposal, advanced by former IOC presidential candidate Johan Eliasch, underscores the urgent need to prioritize climate action in the realm of sports.
Athletes worldwide are calling for stronger commitments to cut carbon emissions and address environmental concerns within the sporting community. With climate change increasingly impacting sports and communities, there is a growing demand for proactive measures to secure a sustainable future for winter sports and the planet as a whole.