Vos ‘feeling great’ ahead of PyeongChang 2018

"I know I can do it and I will try to get that feeling next season"

Dutch Para snowboarder Chris Vos had an incredible 2016-17 season, winning the men’s banked slalom and snowboard-cross SB-LL2 World Championships and banked slalom World Cup titles.

Now the 19-year-old has had time to reflect on retaining his Worlds golds in Big White, Canada, and winning at various venues around the globe.

“[To win in Big White] was an awesome moment. It is the best feeling in the world,” Vos said. “My family was there, we had dinner and a little party. Then I went home and chilled because it was a hard race. I didn’t believe it when I was back in the Netherlands, I thought ‘oh man, I’m a world champion’.”

Vos also rounded off his season by finishing on top of the podium in both disciplines at the PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games Test Event. He had great fun competing in South Korea where he enjoyed the calm atmosphere of the region and the snow on the slopes. He is a serious contender for a gold medal at next year’s Winter Paralympics.

“Last year was amazing and this year it was even better,” Vos said. “I feel confident and I’m in good shape, it is great to feel like this. But I still have to improve to repeat myself in South Korea next year. I have to get stronger and better and I have to improve myself if I want to take a shot at the podium. If I break something it’s over so I have to be wise. We will see what the summer brings and how fit I am next season.”

After enjoying some time off, the four-time world champion is now back at the Dutch Olympic training centre where he will spend the upcoming weeks.

“We have some last test weeks for my prosthetic but our next big camp will be in August when we head to Chile for three weeks,” he said.

Despite his youth and the pressure he may feel, Vos already knows how to approach the next season which will be the most important of his career.

“I will keep calm and do the best that I can to get the best result but I’m still going to have fun. I know I can do it and I will try to get that feeling next season. I’m confident and I’m happy that I feel great.”

PyeongChang 2018 will take place from 9-18 March 2018 and will feature 80 medal events in six winter Paralympic sports.