Mottos and motivation keeping Morii on course

Throughout his entire career, he has held onto the motto, “Retain a beginner’s mind,” which he still uses to this day.

Japanese sit-skier Taiki Morii has years of experience under his belt but that does not stop him from staying motivated to succeed, especially at the upcoming World Cup and PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Test Event.

“I would like to do the best to keep my positive thinking and feeling,” Morii said ahead of the World Cup which gets underway on his home snow in Hakuba on Sunday (5 March). “I wish to climb up on the top of the podium. I am not so accustomed to the course, but I will do the best [I can].”

Morii, who made his international debut in 2002, is coming off a successful World Para Alpine Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, where he took silver in the super combined. He is also the silver medallist in super-G from the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

For the Test Event, which begins with the downhill on 12 March, Morii said he is more interested in the courses at the Jeongseon Alpine Centre. Though he has been to PyeongChang a few times, he said he still has a lot to learn.

Still, winning is only part of his formula for success. Over 15 years Morii said he has “improved [himself] from human point of view, especially because of the kindness and warmness of the people.”

Throughout his entire career, he has held onto the motto, “Retain a beginner’s mind,” which he still uses to this day.

“This motto is very important to me,” he said. “I will never forget the excitement of using a sit-ski for the first time.”

Competition gets underway in Hakuba on Sunday with giant slalom. Two super-G races will follow on Monday and Tuesday (6-7 March).

The World Cup Finals and PyeongChang 2018 Test Event will begin with downhill on 12 March and includes a full programme of technical and speed events.

Live results for both events will be available at World Para Alpine Skiing’s website.