If you’re looking for living proof of Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman’s famous quote, “If you have a body, you’re an athlete” you’ll find it in Danielle Scott. Although an Olympic Freestyle Aerial Skier, take a scroll through her ‘gram and you’ll see she moves her body whenever and however she can. In a matter of months, you can spot her surfing, skateboarding, mountain bike riding, rock climbing and practising yoga, all over the world. She’s strong, adventurous and brave. She’s inspiring, to say the least.
Practising competitive gymnastics from a young age, Danielle always dreamed of qualifying for the Olympics. But a brave decision to change tact saw her start skiing at 16—a late bloomer compared to most in the big league. Naturally gifted and extremely strong-willed, Danielle began her professional career in 2012. Now, after 26 World Cup events, she has two golds and seven silvers to her name.
We sat down with Danielle to find out what it’s really like to be an athlete, on a world stage. From her favourite high-protein breakfast to how she ends her day and everything in between, meet Danielle Scott.
ICE BREAKERS
Born: St Leonards in Sydney.
Lives: It depends on what time of the year it is! But Manly is home.
Known for: Freestyle Aerial Skiing at the Winter Olympics.
Personal motto: Love what you do and let that love shine through in your performance.
Success is: Finding your passion and pursuing it so it doesn’t become a chore.
Advice I would give my 20 yr. old self: Slow things down, and make sure to enjoy every step of the journey. It’s so easy to get caught up or stressed out and it’s so important to just slow it all down.
People are surprised that I: Didn’t learn to ski until I was 16!
I’m inspired by (person, place or idea): Bethany Hamilton. She is a hero for getting back in the water after what happened and not changing her love for the sport.
The biggest risk I have taken (that has paid off) is: Quitting gymnastics—my dream was to be an Olympian and represent my country. I took a risk there because I didn’t know what I was going to do next. I was only 13 but it paid off.
From my mistakes, I have learnt: That every mistake you have to learn. You can’t get caught up in the emotions of it. You just have to take the experience for what it’s worth.
My most used emoji is: …the sassy blonde girl.
IRL
Wake-up time: It’s very dependent on the season and locations. In China, when I’m competing, it’s a 4 am wake-up to get to the hill and get prepared for the day. But then, in places like Spain (where the last World Championships were), training didn’t start until 8 pm.
Morning ritual: A good Aussie iced-coffee and a YoPRO protein yoghurt topped with a bit of muesli.
Desk lunch: Classic cheese and vegemite on Vita-Weats.
Last thing I do at night: Turn on my humidifier with relaxing oils to help wind down from the day.
Guilty pleasure: Bag of lollies and a big Indian feast—I love curry!
3 things vital to my day: When I’m home it’s definitely the beach, my Volkswagen Passat Alltrack and a super comfortable outfit!
Café: Dolce Terra in Manly.
Juice: Coconut Juice.
Coffee: Iced coffee—I can’t handle hot coffee!
Culture stop: Belarus. It’s almost like stepping back in time. They have very strong culture, whether it’s the food or the beliefs or their dress—I found it really cool.
Studio/gym: J-Train in Brookvale
WARDROBE
Sports top: Under Armour Threadborne tank.
Sports pants/tights: Under Armour Mirror BreatheLux leggings.
Shoes: Under Armour Threadborne Slingwrap Running Shoes.
Sunglasses: Oakley Latch.
Watch: Garmin.
Store: Free People.
New season must have: The new GoPro HERO6.
CULTURE AND TECH
App: The Quik Stories App—I love being able to film on GoPro and then share content right then and there.
Binge watch: I don’t really watch a lot of TV but I enjoyed The Man in the High Castle
Instagram stalk: David & Victoria Beckham
Album love: ANTI by Rihanna
HOW CAN WE E-STALK YOU?
Instagram: @daniellescottski
Facebook: facebook.com/daniellescottski/
