Ayana Onozuka, who was born and raised at Ishiuchi Maruyama Ski Resort, has been devoted to alpine skiing since she was a child, and after learning basic skiing, she switched to half-pipe in 2011
Needless to say, his subsequent achievements have been impressive, including second place at the X Games, a bronze medal at the Olympics, a world championship, and the overall World Cup title
After the 2019 X Games, he shifted his focus to photography, capturing the untouched snowy mountains, but at the time, he took part in the qualifying rounds for the Freeride World Tour (FWT), a freeride competition that was just starting to gain popularity in Japan. With his exceptional skiing skills and strong heart, he qualified to compete in the FWT, a global event, and once again began to spend his days traveling around the world competing in competitions
She continued living this lifestyle for about two years until she gave birth. Having started skiing at the age of two, she saw skiing as her life, and winning competitions and striving to become the best in the world became a way for her to express herself
However, changes in her life, such as marriage, childbirth, and child-rearing, forced her to make major changes to her skiing life
The Japan Freeride Open (JFO) was held in 2021. Just being able to stand on snow two months after giving birth is an incredible feat, but she decided to compete in the event. The hard, steep slopes that everyone struggles with were extremely tough for her first race back, and she collapsed after crossing the finish line in sheer exhaustion. Still, she gave it her all at the time, and won the championship
However, despite her determination to return to competition, the strain on her body was greater than she had imagined. At the same time, she realized that she was causing a great deal of trouble for her family, especially her children. While prioritizing her children's growth and her life with her family, she began to think about what kind of expression was true to her, and what kind of challenge she could take on that did not involve competing with others
After nearly 30 years of competing, striving to be number one, Ayana Onozuka is now searching for the one and only thing that only she can do. At the root of it all is that facing difficulties comes naturally to her. By continuing to take on challenges, she is able to immerse herself 100% in skiing, which is what makes skiing so enjoyable for Ayana Onozuka
One answer to this idea is the video project "MOMENTAL," which will be shot this winter
The project name "MOMENTAL" is a combination of the three words MOM (mother), MENTAL (feelings), and MOMENTAL (present). It is the perfect theme to represent where she is at right now. The documentary film will follow her as she takes on the challenge of skiing in the mountains over the course of a season
This isn't a straightforward story about striving to be number one. It depicts her confronting herself, her family, and the harshness of nature. Naturally, there will be times when she can't ski, and times when she's forced to make difficult decisions.
She's only been seriously backcountry skiing for five seasons as of 2024.
What is the significance of the slopes and mountain ranges that she tackles, honing her skiing technique, physical strength and mental state? What can she gain from them? By carefully unraveling these questions, I am confident that I will be able to convey her attitude of continuing to take on challenges, both as a mother and as a skier
There's no superior or inferior, big or small, challenge or adventure. The most important thing is whether you take that first step or not. I
'm looking forward to seeing what happens with the project she's taking on this winter.
Ayana Onozuka
Born in 1988, from Minamiuonuma City. A mother of one, she continues to be an active athlete. Her activities are diverse, including private coaching for national ski halfpipe team members and teaching special classes at elementary schools.
Instagram:ayana_onozuka