Born: 1976 (Bern, Switzerland)
Biography:
Tanja Frieden, a Swiss snowboarder born on February 6, 1976, in Bern, has made significant contributions to the sport both through her achievements on the slopes and her efforts to promote snow sports in Switzerland. Today, she works as a speaker, coach, and mental trainer, and she also serves as the president of the Swiss Snow Sports Initiative.
Frieden’s career began in 1997 when she competed in her first World Cup race. Since then, she has consistently been one of the world’s best snowboarders. Her breakthrough moment came at the 2000 European Championships, where she won the silver medal. This accomplishment propelled her into the elite ranks of snowboarding and set the stage for her future success.
However, it was at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Bardonecchia that Frieden achieved her greatest triumph. On February 17, she secured the gold medal in the inaugural snowboard cross discipline, making her an Olympic champion. The road to victory was not easy, as she faced stiff competition from Lindsey Jacobellis. But fate intervened when Jacobellis crashed on the second-to-last jump after attempting a showboating move. This mishap allowed Frieden to seize the victory and etch her name into Winter Olympic history.
Notably, Frieden’s victory in Bardonecchia came just a day after her former partner, American snowboarder Seth Wescott, won the Olympic gold medal in boardercross. Their simultaneous triumphs garnered attention, making them the first couple in snowboarding history to win Olympic gold medals in the same discipline. Frieden’s remarkable performance in 2006 earned her the honor of being named Swiss Sportswoman of the Year.
Despite her remarkable achievements, Frieden faced challenges as well. On January 20, 2010, during a qualifying run for the Boardercross World Cup in Stoneham, she suffered a severe crash that caused a shoulder injury and torn Achilles tendons on both sides. This unfortunate incident forced her to reassess her career, and on January 26, 2010, she announced her retirement from competitive sports. Although this marked the end of her professional snowboarding career, Frieden’s impact on the sport would continue in other capacities.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Tanja Frieden has a rich personal life. She grew up in Thun, Switzerland, and her Norwegian mother, Kari, influenced her connection with Norway early in her career. Frieden even started representing Norway at the start of her snowboarding journey. Initially, she pursued teaching, attending a teachers’ seminar and working part-time as a teacher before transitioning to become a full-time professional snowboarder.
In August 2015, Frieden settled in Thun with her partner Marc Ramseier, and they welcomed their son on January 30, 2016. This new chapter in her life brought about a shift in her professional focus. Since 2016, Frieden has been conducting motivational seminars and training courses specifically catered to women. Her aim is to inspire and empower women through her own experiences and achievements, encouraging them to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles in their chosen fields.
Tanja Frieden’s contribution to snowboarding extends beyond her exceptional athletic feats. Through her work as a speaker, coach, mental trainer, and president of the Swiss Snow Sports Initiative, she continues to promote winter sports in Switzerland and inspire others to reach for greatness. Her remarkable journey in snowboarding, marked by triumphs and challenges, serves as an inspiration to women athletes everywhere and signifies her enduring legacy in the world of snow sports.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medal, 2006 Winter Olympics (Snowboard Cross)
– Swiss Sportswoman of the Year, 2006