“That job helped me think differently about the sport,” he says. “When I had to focus my energy outside of skiing to suc-ceed, it helped me be a better skier as well. You find new ways of thinking, new ways of pushing yourself, and get a different perspective.” Spett hasn’t competed outside of Sweden for two years, and the 2018 Winter Games in South Korea will be the first he hasn’t attended in more than a decade. It’s a decision that comes with mixed feelings. “You have to put aside so many other things to be able to compete on that level,” he says. “Of course, you still want to perform and do the thing you love. But everything ends.” Still, Spett’s time on the mogul circuit provided valuable insight and appreciation for everything he’s experienced along the way. “I’ve connected with such a wide variety of people and en-vironments,” Spett says. “When you can appreciate the good bits from every place, they all become amazing.” That includes Kiruna, and Spett would like to spend more time exploring the surrounding mountains. He’d also like to return to Europe, as well as repeat the 2015 motorcycle trip he and his cousin took across the western United States. Until then, Spett will continue his subterranean work. For much of the world, months of darkness may seem a steep price to keep skiing. But for the Kiruna native, its just home. “I’m born and raised here, so it’s not a big issue,” Spett says. “That’s usually the time of year the snow is falling, and the city is all lit up, and that gives the whole thing a positive vibe. To me, it’s like a really long Christmas holiday.” Whether he’s flashing big mountain lines in the Scandina-vian Mountains (left), or stomping Superman front flips at the 2014 Olympic Games in Russia, Spett does it with style. Photo: Daniel Rönnbäck (left)/Magnus Spett (right) 032 The Ski Journal
The Ski Journal Volume Eleven, Issue Four: Page 32
