In our series of interviews with the HAE Women , an inspiring athlete gives us insights into her journey through the highs and lows of snowboarding. Elena Könz talks about formative experiences in the mountains, the creative power of nature and the courage to get back up again after setbacks. With a unique combination of athletic determination and artistic sensitivity, she gives insights into her creative side and tells us what makes her particularly proud about her gold FIS medal and her successes.
Which moment in your life – sporting or creative – has had the greatest impact on you? What comes to mind?
A defining moment in my life was an accident in the backcountry a few years ago. Strangely enough, nothing happened to me - but it was definitely a fine line of luck. This experience made me question my passion for snowboarding and even considered quitting altogether. In the end, however, it helped me a lot to get back out there and face my fears in order to process what had happened. This process led to me being out in the mountains today with a different awareness and a deeper appreciation.
What does adventure mean to you and how does it influence your creative side?
For me, adventure means that which cannot be planned. This uncertainty, which is of course estimated and minimized as much as possible when planning tours, triggers a sense of anticipation. Perhaps an adventure also feels good because it requires you to be present with all your senses in order to be able to react to the unplanable.
How do you feel when you're standing on your board, whether in the snow or on the water? Are there creative parallels to these moments?
It's the most beautiful way to flow through time. When I was a teenager, I once tried to explain to my great uncle, who is an artist, that snowboarding can also be an art form - but he couldn't understand. Maybe you can understand?
Where do you get your creative inspiration from – whether on the mountain, at sea or in everyday life?
Paradoxically, I am very systematic when developing creative ideas. For this reason, I only become creative when I really want to or have to, and often develop project-related ideas. I am influenced by the images, shapes and colors that become deeply "burned in" when I am out in nature.
Are there any projects outside of snowboarding where you particularly express your creativity?
Yes, in addition to snowboarding, I love painting, drawing and taking photographs. However, I often don't have the time for it. A personal wish is to change this in the near future and give art more space in my life again.
What makes you particularly proud of what you have achieved – athletically and/or creatively? This can also be professionally.
I am particularly proud of my medal as World Champion in Big Air. The further away I am from this success, the cooler I think it is to have such a gold FIS medal. The commitment and willpower that I was able to muster to follow this path impresses me even now.
Elena Könz Art
Elena on YouTube
