Iouri PODLADTCHIKOV

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Born in Moscow, Russia and raised in Zurich, Switzerland from the age of eight, 'iPod' was fortunate to have easy access to snowboard in the world-renowned Swiss Alps with some of the best snowboarders out there.

Being able to shred with his homies Podladtchikov, who had represented Russia at the 2006 Olympics in Torino placing 37th decided to change his citizenship after his Olympic debut as he was training with his Swiss friends already.

Driven by his perfectionism and competitive soul he constantly aimed to push his limits ever since.

Being consistent and smooth, while also going big in great style, he then quickly emerged as one of the world's best halfpipe riders.

At the 2010 Olympics he was close to reap the fruits of his labour but missed out the podium as unfortunate fourth.

However, being bumped off the podium made him work even harder.

Podladtchikov hired former Swiss national team coach Marco Bruni as private coach and manager and kept progressing his halfpipe riding.

Relying on his never-ending stocks of energy and impressive talent his passion made him land the first ever switch backside double cork 1260 and also the first ever cab double cork 1440 which became his signature trick called 'Yolo flip' (acronym for you only live once).

In 2013 he won the FIS Snowboard World Championships in Stoneham, Canada underlining that he was on fire on his road to Sochi where he finally got the redemption for his Vancouver result.

He nailed his second run in the men's finals winning his first Olympic Gold and the second halfpipe medal for his new home country since Gian Simmen took the title in Nagano back in 1998.