McRae Williams (USA)

FREESKI

OK, so here you go: Tell me how many hats you have in your home?
Good question. I would have to be home to count. I really have no idea.

What separates a good rider from a mediocre one?
Well the first thing you think of when defining a good rider is one with a deep bag of tricks and mad style to back it, but it is more than that. And I know people always say that, but that's because it is true. The best rider is one who rides for themselves and not for what others think. One who is humble. One who cares for the progression of others and the sport as a whole not just themselves. But above all, one who is driven by passion, and their love for the sport.

What tricks are you currently working on?
Well, I have been up in Mt Hood for about a week just getting back on snow for the first time since my mcl injury in Sweden this spring. During my time spent here I have really been focusing on dialing all the basic rightside tricks. I want to get some switch rightside dubs for Dew Tour this season, and I think the best thing to do now is work on the basics. Before I hurt my knee I was working on a switch triple rodeo 1260 at the Jon Olsson Invitational in Sweden. I landed a few, and became the first person to successully land a triple in competition, so I am very stoked on that. However, I would like to get a good jump this season and try to go for switch triple rodeo 1440, as I originally thought, but we'll see.

Where does this sport carry us in the near future?
Well... Sochi. As most of you are aware I am sure, just a couple weeks ago, both skiing halfpipe and slopestyle have been confirmed for the 2014 Olympics. With this news I think it is safe to say that we will be seeing big things from slopestyle and halfpipe skiing in the coming years.

How will tricks and equipment look like in the year 2010?
As far as tricks go, the progression next season is going to be out of control. We will definitely be seeing lots of triples, probably more so in big air contest. I don't think we will see too many triples in slopestyle; however, doubles both ways will be a must, and most likely we will see doubles on every jump in a slopestyle run. On the equipment side of things I am not as well educated, but I don't think we will see too many differences from this last season. If I had to guess I would say more reverse camber park skis and fatter pow skis. haha

What is your current product setup?
From head to toe I am riding POC helmets and goggles, Orage outerwear, Dalbello IL Moro boots, Amplid poles and bindings, as well as the Amplid Antidogma skis, which are the best out! I am also drinking Rockstar and bumpin' tunes through my fresh Kicker headphones.

What days will be highlighted in your upcoming agenda?
Well, I am just hanging out in L.A. for a few days catching some sun and relaxation after spending a week skiing up at Windells in Mt. Hood. After this I am heading home to start some classes and coach/train up at the Utah Olympic Park for the next couple months. In september I am planning on heading south to Australia for my second year as a part of the One Hit Wonder event in Thredbo. It should be epic so don't forget to stay tuned at onehitwonderevent.com. After this I will be chilling waiting for the snow to fall, and then it's straight to Breckenridge, CO for the frist stop of the Dew Tour!

Any new video- or photoprojects?
I have actually just put out an edit I threw together of an event I attended last spring in Kronplatz, Italy called the SPRINGgingerle. It was presented by Matthias Fabbro and Markus Eder, and I can't thank them enough for putting on such an amazing event, and more so allowing me to come. Here is a link to the video. http://vimeo.com/26683196. Enjoy!

Here some quickshot psycho questions: Cat or dog?
Dog

Meat or salad?
Both

Cinema or DVD?
DVD. More comfortable and you can watch it more than once.

Snow or beach?
Snow

Cocktail or beer?
Beer

Cereal or bacon?
Cereal

Tell us about one of your worst habit or quality?
Forgetting to bring a towel.

What was the funniest incident in your life as a pro so far?
I would have to say my trip to Sweden this spring for the Jon Olsson Invitational. Beautiful women, lots of partying, and a big jump! What more could you ask for?

If you are a god what would you do to the world?
This is a tough one. My thoughts have always been that the human race should be punished for what we have done to this world, but not a single person living today can help it so the punishment wouldn’t be fair. It would certainly be a difficult job.

Which super power would you like to have and why?
Flying, because I have always wondered what it would be like.

If you are given a chance to travel past where would you go and specifically why?
I would probably go back to the day I graduated high school, because that was the day I finished many years of hard work, and was able to completely dedicate myself to pursuing what I love, skiing.

What will you do if you have million dollars cash with you?
Save it and continue to live my life as the same frugal person I am now. But I might take a few unexpected vacations. haha

Now that this interview is done, what will you do next?
Go to the beach to catch some waves!

Thank you for your time.


::: back to cartel overview