Meet Red Bull Athlete & SheShreds Ambassador, Myriam Trepanier

Q&A By Ambassador: Joanna Brashear

Red Bull Crashed Ice....Sounds crazy right? We've got the story on this upcoming sport and we also had a chance to chat with one of the leading female racers, Myriam Trepanier. She tells us about what it takes to succeed in this series of racing and a little bit about herself. If you don't know much about Red Bull Crashed Ice, you should definitely check it out on redbullcrashedice.com. Read below for a short Q&A with Myriam. 

Photo: Craig Madsen Photography

How did you get involved with Red Bull Crushed Ice?

I started competing in the tour during the 2014-15 season. That year I qualified for the only two out of four races that allowed women to participate: St. Paul, MN and Edmonton, AB. I had heard about the sport ten years ago when it stopped in Quebec City, which is where I grew up. At that time, I could not participate since I was getting ready to embark on my freshman year of DI women's hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth. When the event came to St. Paul years later, and with my college hockey career over, I decided to give Red Bull Crashed Ice a shot.

What do you do to train for this type of event?

There is a lot of time spent in the skate park, on inline skates, and on the skating treadmill during the off season. I also do a lot of training such as strength, conditioning and plyometrics

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

How has being a part of SheShreds.co been for you and the sport?

It has been rewarding to be able to represent SheShreds.co.The level of support I have received from the SheShreds community, after joining the crew only a few months ago, has been very meaningful. It has also given me and the sport of ice cross downhill a new visibility platform

Tell us three things we might not know about you?

1. I am French Canadian and English is my second language. 
2. I went to the White House on a charter plane with my college hockey team to meet President George W. Bush after winning the 2008 National Championship. 
3. I was a two sport athlete in college: women's hockey and fast pitch softball.

You seem pretty fearless. Is there anything that scares you?

Turbulence when flying makes me feel quite uncomfortable. I also get nervous when I am on a Ferris wheel and it stops while I am on top.

Photo: Reed Whiting

Word of advice for any girls who want to pursue an ultra extreme sport like Ice Cross?

Off season training is huge! It often makes a difference between the top competitors and the rest of the field. If you want to get invited to one of the main races, get involved with the sport starting with the smaller minor race circuit such as the Riders Cup Races.

What does it feel like sitting atop the course getting ready to race?

It is a huge rush of emotions. It takes a bit of time to learn how to manage all of it. It is hard to block everything... the crowd, the competitors around you, the announcers, the lights, etc. I try to empty my head and focus on the gate in front of me and the start signal.

Photo: Sky Wild Photography - Shawn Orton

What is your favorite piece from the SheShreds.co winter line?

I love the Fearless Crew Sweatshirt! I just got mine and can't wait to wear it and represent SheShreds.co wherever I go. 

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I will be married by then! (Date set for September 24th of this year). So hopefully I will have a little one roaming around the house. I will still be very active. I do not know if I will still be competing in Ice Cross, but I would love to be! I would like to do this as long as I can to grow the sport for women. If not, I will be sporting my SheShreds.co gear on the slopes somewhere. I love to ski and snowboard.

Pirate or Princess?

Definitely pirates!

Who or what inspires you in life?

Adventures, trying new things... life is too short to be boring so I like to make something of it.

Photo: Red Bull Content Pool

Injuries? 

No injuries to report at this time (knocks on wood!).