sports
February 3, 2026
All aboard the ‘stoke train’: why the snowboarding experience can trump any medal
The high-risk nature of the sport creates enjoyment for the competitors regardless of the hunt for medals and this positive feeling helps attract spectators
TL;DR
- Olympian Lesley McKenna's research investigates the meaning behind risk-aesthetic sports like snowboarding.
- The concept of "stoke" encompasses joy, creativity, achievement, and style, rated higher by athletes than winning medals.
- McKenna identified five key fascinations: inside-out performance, outside-in viewing, epic moments, positive insignificance, and creative story-based learning.
- High-risk, aesthetic sports foster motivation, community, and excellence.
- Observing the Winter Olympics can reveal "the stoke train" and genuine celebration of each other's runs.
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