Olympic Snowboarder Chase Blackwell Shares His Keys to Halfpipe Success
Men's Health
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Chase Blackwell, a 26-year-old snowboarder representing Team USA at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Games, shared insights into his halfpipe training and Olympic experiences. Known for his smooth style, Blackwell emphasized the importance of strength and technical precision in navigating the 22-foot super pipe. He highlighted core, quads, and glutes as critical muscle groups for maintaining control and performance during runs.
When asked about his workout regimen, Blackwell revealed that squats, squat jumps, and slacklining are non-negotiables for building the necessary power and balance. Despite his focus on strength training, he admitted to dreading RDLs due to their intense hamstring engagement. His diet in the Olympic Village has been a winning combination of scrambled eggs with avocado, providing ample protein for recovery.
Blackwell also shared how he mentally prepares for competitions using Qigong, a meditative movement practice that helps him stay centered and loose. This mental focus is crucial, as halfpipe success often hinges on balancing physical strength with the ability to execute complex tricks under pressure.
Away from training, Blackwell found camaraderie in the Olympic Village, rooming with fellow athletes Jake Pates and Chase Josey. He expressed a preference for mittens over gloves, explaining that they prevent finger strain while riding. His lighthearted comments on non-sport competitions, like speed eating, added a personal touch to his profile.
For fitness enthusiasts, Blackwell's emphasis on core strength, consistency in challenging exercises, and mindful warm-ups offers valuable insights into peak athletic performance. His story not only showcases the physical demands of elite snowboarding but also
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Originally published on Men's Health on 2/20/2026