Music to calm the nerves: a freestyle tradition

Well before the action got going, it was clear it would be a spectacular day in Bardonecchia. And the spectators who showed up in large numbers to witness the freeski slopestyle competition of the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games were definitely not disappointed.

With a course consisting of three rail passages and two jumps, student-athletes from around the world were asked to show all their skills in the finals on Friday, 17 January.

Double win for France

France came out on top in both the women’s and men’s events, courtesy of Victoire Tillier (84.75) and Hugo Picouet (92.25). Both were already in the lead after the first of two runs.

Picouet, who studies at University of Perpignan Via Domitia, even managed to improve his score in the second round and thus extended his margin of victory. “I felt really good on the course and therefore adjusted a few tricks for the second run. It paid off and I was able to increase my score again.”

Tillier, from the Grenoble School of Management, also looked back positively on her performance. “I was relaxed enough in the first run to be able to do the difficult trick I had to do for the win.”

In addition to the winners, another French competitor reached the podium, with Amélie Cancel taking third place on the women’s side behind United Kingdom’s Lara Shaw. “The fact that Amélie also finished on the podium makes my victory even more special. Being able to share this moment with her is incredible,” said Victoire Tillier.

Music for relaxation

If you take a closer look at freestyle athletes, you’ll notice that practically all of them wear headphones under their helmets.

“I get kind of nervous before the competition as freeskiing is a high-risk sport. Music helps me to get my mind off my nerves and to get into the zone,” said Great Britain’s Thea Georgia Fenwick, who won bronze at the 2023 FISU Games. “Mostly I listen to some bluesy rock which gets me in the mood. Not rap like it’s pretty common in the freestyle scene. That’s not for me,” said the 23-year-old. The Staffordshire University student was unable to defend her medal from Lake Placid as she placed seventh in Thursday’s qualification stage, one spot shy of the final.

The champion does it differently

Men’s winner Hugo Picouet listens to a different style of music. “Reggae calms me down before the contest. It puts me in the mood where I’m just looking forward to my run.” However, he is one of the few who stows his headphones in his jacket just before setting off. “During my run, I have to concentrate on my tricks and don’t have time to focus on a song. But I’m one of the few. All my friends ride with music. I guess it really got a thing.”

Freestyle at Torino 2025 continues on Saturday, 18 January with the big air qualification. The finals take place on Sunday.

The take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on . Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Elena Häfliger, FISU Young Reporter, Switzerland

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.