Janne Korpi

Janne Korpi

Biography:

Janne Korpi grew up in Nummela, a small town located near the Finnish capital of Helsinki. After spending his early years racing the family's stable of 30 horses, Janne soon followed in the footsteps of his older brother by switching his focus to the snow. The unassuming Finn was soon hooked on snowboarding, and it wasn't long before he began competing against the best up-and-coming kids in national  and international contests. Korpi singled himself out for special attention in 2005 when he was crowned FIS Junior World Halpipe Champion, and signed on the dotted line with O'Neill one year later. Since then, Janne's professional snowboarding path has been on a sharp upwards curve thanks in no small part to his incredible natural talent and strong sense of determination. Despite suffering a couple of heavy injuries in recent years, Janne is riding stronger than ever and looking to add to his remarkable list of accomplishments. With two Olympic appearances and two TTR end-of-season top 10 finishes already in the bag, that's really saying something.

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Janne wins the FIS Stockholm Big Air

Janne Korpi repeats feat in Stockholm big air

In Stockholm on Saturday, it was Janne Korpi, who was unbeatable; despite the fact that he had just sneaked into the final of the best twelve riders. The 22-year-old winner of the Saas-Fee half-pipe and 2005 Junior World Champion (HP) got back to business and celebrated his fifth World Cup triumph and second back-to-back win at the 1912 Olympic Stadion in Stockholm.

Janne Korpi

Korpi's victory was even more impressive as the Finn missed the on-site training: "While doing some rails, I broke my bindings and wasn't able to practice at all. I was pretty disappointed." In the competition, however, he threw an outstanding "Frontside 1080" and a stylish "Cab 900" beating the international competition including his team mates Antti Autti, Risto Mattila and Peetu Piiroinen.

Janne Korpi receiving his prize Interview

How did you become a snowboarder?
My dad works training horses and my mom does the accounts. I grew up with horses. It was a funny thing. My brother wanted to buy a snowboard. There was a two-for-one sale so my dad got another one for me. I was about eight years old at the time. My brother is two years older than me.

When did you turn pro?
I was 16 when I tried to go professional.

How easy was it to go pro?
Quite easy, but I was helped by my family. They fully supported my aim to be pro. At first my parents paid for my trips. Then if I got money for competitions I would help out. After a few years I got my first sponsors.

Did sponsorship change everything for you?
It didn't change my life – I guess I just didn't have to ask for money any more from my parents.

Competing vs. filming?
I like competing. Competitions don't feel like work. I will think about filming one day but for now I'm still enjoying competitions.

How much travelling do you get to do?
I travel 70 percent of the year. Sometimes I feel like I would like it to stop especially at the end of the year. I have friends back home who all have normal jobs so that's hard.

Where is top of your 'to go' list?
China. Beijing would be an incredible place to check out.

Favourite trip?
Japan – the snow is incredible, the people are so nice, it's a safe country and the food is so so good.

The worst thing about snowboarding for a living?
The downside is that you don't get to see your friends and family. Sometimes I would like to live a normal life and stay in one place and for more than two weeks. And sometimes I get homesick – friends and family are the best thing.

When you win a comp?
I go drinking

When you loose a comp?
I go drinking.

When not snowboarding?
Tennis, golf, beach volleyball (in a city beach made of sand)

What annoys you?
When people stress too much

What do you listen to when snowboarding?
Nothing... if I do, I can't hear the snow.

What's your most embarrassing moment?
Something I am not going to share

What keeps you from snowboarding?
The Finnish summer

What is snowboarding to you?
The best way to live your life

Best place in the world and why?
Sydney because it's got a mix of chilled life and city life mixed together.


Achievements