When I was a kid, we watched this wonderful, iconic movie titled "Le Grand Bleu"(or "The Big Blue" in English) starring Jean Reno and Jean-Marc Barr. It's the beautiful, poetic and tragic story of the rivalry and what some would call a bond between two individuals who, through their chosen passion for free-diving, were not just competitors but also friends. I'm not gonna give you a long synopsis : if you care to see what happens when talent meets obsession, while also fuelled by the thirst to always push past your limits...just watch it.
When I was a kid, we watched this wonderful, iconic movie titled "Le Grand Bleu"(or "The Big Blue" in English) starring Jean Reno and Jean-Marc Barr. It's the beautiful, poetic and tragic story of the rivalry and what some would call a bond between two individuals who, through their chosen passion for free-diving, were not just competitors but also friends. I'm not gonna give you a long synopsis : if you care to see what happens when talent meets obsession, while also fuelled by the thirst to always push past your limits...just watch it.
I bring this up because, for some reason, in trying to find the right words to properly introduce today's guest, I struggled. Not because the words wouldn't come, but more because of this weird comparison that I could not shake off as I truly thought this was an appropriate visual for today's particular exchange.
I came across Xavier De Le Rue's truthfully incredible career as I was randomly playing a documentary on YouTube and his name got mentioned in passing. I would not have paid much mind to it had it not been for two particular details : First - he's got a really cool name. Second - ...there's just something about surviving an avalanche that I find interesting...
An established icon of Extreme snowboarding, Xavier's love and skills for both powder and big mountain riding have achieved worldwide recognition. Indeed, as a 3x Freeride Champion, 4x Boarder Cross World Champion, X-Games Boarder-X Champion, he boasts an incredible career spanning over decades.
But don't let the celebrity and notoriety fool you : Xavier has also used his voice to further the efforts towards addressing the climate crisis by hosting The Sustainability Dialogues podcast with Dr. Johan Rockström and is also a dedicated family man, something we touch on in the latter part of the episode.
I am not an athlete but I have an undeniable respect and appreciation for those individuals, the peak performers, who, in every sense of the word are willing to lay it all out on the line for that one moment of unmistakable passion that gets them up in the morning.
On this episode, and with a generosity I am immensely grateful for, Xavier shares his incredible insight on the real dangers of the sport that are often overlooked behind the rockstar image, the passion that keeps fuelling him despite his already incredible journey, how skill and luck can coexist, trusting your gut, finding that moment of peace within our own lives...and so much more
Also available on your favorite platforms :
Apple Podcasts : https://apple.co/3bcWAWX
Spotify : https://spoti.fi/3rZOA1B
Google Podcasts : https://tinyurl.com/y57gshn4
Stitcher : https://tinyurl.com/yxrfp2s3
