Dedication

free soul skier, tavo sadeg, freeride, fwt, alpine meadows

Tavo Sadeg trenched out and hiking for the goods, Alpine Meadows Resort, California, January 2023. pc @mikayla.walshh

Dedication. It’s a defining characteristic all champions possess. The ability to pursue on their passion on a daily basis regardless of the circumstances. Doggedly chasing any opportunity to improve all because of their lofty goals. In Tavo Sadeg’s case, that means riding his way to qualify for the FWT 2024.

In theory, it sounds difficult, but looks (relatively) straightforward. In practice, it’s nearly impossible. The endless distractions, delays, inconveniences, and excuses never seem to wane. They confront all of us, regardless of goals or ambitions, including dedicated champions like Tavo. One of the qualities that separate elite athletes from others and allows them to reach a top level of performance is their capacity to push past these barriers.

Cheaters Never Win, Dedication Does

Life offers us so many chances to just cut corners and not to do that last rep, last drill, or last lap. Countless opportunities when no one is looking to stray from proper form, lose their focus, and forget the true value of consistency and completeness. True champions know this. Tavo does too. That’s why he maximizes every opportunity he gets to ride the mountain. Morning work might consist of high-speed carving and edge control exercises on groomers.

Tavo Sadeg rolling with the edge control microadjustments as he tests the early morning groomers, Alpine Meadows Resort, CA pc screenshot @adam.ryan.paul

Then once he’s warmed up, the afternoon may see conditions that warrant some practice on his backflips. It’s a trick Tavo’s been working more and more on this season.

free soul skier, tavo sadeg, freeride, fwt, alpine meadows

Performing highly technical vertical testing work on his backflips, Tavo Sadeg lets it rip at Alpine Meadows Resort,CA. pc @tavo.sadeg

Obstacle or Opportunity?

Storms don’t seem to bother Tavo. The weather only rotates what options are available. Sleet, grapple, wintery mix? They’re close enough to snow and good enough to get started on the mountain. Who know what happens when it changes to snow and lines start opening up?

free soul skier, tavo sadeg, freeride, fwt, alpine meadows

Finding the lines and sending it in style, Tavo Sadeg’s master strategy for those deep days, Alpine Meadows Resort, CA. pc @tavo.sadeg

Dedication finds reasons to ride and get better every day. Obstacles become welcomed challenges to solve and push through. Tavo’s seems to have mastered this strategy. And with record season snowfalls in Tahoe already, it appears that he’s had plenty of chances to ‘stay dedicated.’

free soul skier, tavo sadeg, freeride, fwt, alpine meadows

Shredding it right off the top, Tavo Sadeg cliff hunting at Alpine Meadows Resort, California, December 2022. pc @tavo.sadeg

Tomorrow we’re back for a look at ‘The Ultimate Turn’ and what it means for your own mountain tricks. Thanks again for following along! We’d like to extend a special thanks to Tavo’s sponsors for their amazing support on this journey!

free soul skier, tavo sadeg, freeride, fwt, alpine meadows

Some serious send on this backie for Tavo Sadeg, Alpine Meadows Resort, California, January 2023.pc @tavo.sadeg

Previous
Previous

The Ultimate Turn

Next
Next

Recap FWT 2023 – Bacqueira Beret