INTERVIEW
You were invited by the IOC as an artist in residence. For the first time, you weren’t competing or at the Winter Games. What did you feel ?
It was a life-changing experience for me to participate in an Olympic Games as an artist after competing as an athlete. When I competed in my first Olympics in Rio, I was very focused on my competition and enjoyed my time in Rio so much, but in Korea I truly immersed myself in the athlete community. I was lucky to be back in the places where I feel most comfortable: in the Village and the dining room.
What do you think of this experience? What is your overall opinion/feeling?
The Olympic Artist in Residence program opens doors to expressing the Olympic experience in a new way. I am grateful that the Olympic Committee believes in me as an athlete and artist — I am even more inspired to continue my art and also train for the 2020 Olympics!!!!
How did the athlete react when he met you on the field? Did they participate?
Once they get over the initial confusion as to why a Summer Olympic athlete was in PyeongChang, they are all very enthusiastic and enthusiastic about the project. Almost everyone we interviewed participated in the film… unless there was a competition on the day!
How did the athlete react when he met you on the field? Did they participate?
Once they get over the initial confusion as to why a Summer Olympic athlete was in PyeongChang, they are all very enthusiastic and enthusiastic about the project. Almost everyone we interviewed participated in the film… unless there was a competition on the day!
Do you think your film will be of interest to athletes?
Our goal is to make a film that athletes will want to show to their children to say, “this is what it feels like to be there.” It’s different from watching television coverage of their competitions or the official Olympic film. It is a film that captures the emotions and full experience of the Olympic athlete, including life behind the scenes and between competitions.
What was your most difficult moment?
One of the first days we were there, we were filming a scene outside in Olympic Square and it was so cold and windy that within minutes none of us could feel our hands or feet. The camera even froze! Soon we would learn our way around and the entire city of PyeongChang would feel like a second home.
And your most memorable moment? The moment you will remember.
Filming before and during the opening ceremonies. The emotion of this moment hits me every time.
Will your experience change the way you live the Olympic values as an athlete and artist?
I now have a much deeper appreciation for the Olympics than ever before. I wouldn’t have thought this was possible after my competitive experience in Rio, but now that I’ve had the chance to peek “behind the curtain” and learn about the countless moving parts who come together to create the Games every two years. , I am even more aware of the immense passion, creativity and dedication that characterize the Olympic Games.
Is there a scene that you are really proud of?
I’m especially proud of all the scenes where real Winter Olympic athletes perform alongside Nick Kroll (my co-star) and myself. The athletes, many of whom had never played before, did a fantastic job and were a pleasure to work with.
What are your main takeaways?
I am convinced that the Olympic Games are a specific and unique, but universal experience. Plus, I feel like all the athletes are close to each other.
And if we had to do it again ?
I wouldn’t change anything. So many incredible moments have happened by chance that I could never have planned or imagined in advance – if I were to go back and do it again, some of these serendipitous events might not happen again! This is what makes this project (and the Olympic Games) so special! They exist in their own way and live forever.
