I am sitting in my room in Livigno right now, looking out at the snow-capped Italian Alps, and I still can't quite believe what just happened.
I came here to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics to watch the world's best fly through the air at the Women's Halfpipe finals. I expected to be inspired by the riders on the snow, but I didn't expect to be mentored by a total legend off of it.
Between the madness of the Olympic schedule and his role as the CEO of the X-Games, Jeremy Bloom is probably one of the busiest people in Italy. But today, he did something that honestly changed my whole perspective: he carved out time just to sit down and talk to me—a teen athlete still working hard to reach that Olympic stage.
More Than Just a Chat
I'll be real—I was so nervous! Jeremy is a three-time World Champion, a two-time Olympian, and now he's the architect of the biggest action sports platform on the planet. I figured I'd get a quick "hello" and maybe a photo if I was lucky.
Instead, he actually listened.
We didn't talk about business or corporate stuff. Over a cold drink (no coffee for me, obviously!), we talked about the heart of being an athlete. He spoke to me about what it really takes to stay focused when things get tough, how to handle the pressure when the world is watching, and why the love for the sport has to come before everything else.
The Power of Being Seen
It's one thing to watch someone like Jeremy on a screen or read about his stats. It's another thing entirely to have him look you in the eye and treat your goals like they matter. He didn't talk down to me because I'm a teenager; he talked to me like a fellow athlete who understands the grind.
The biggest takeaway for me? Greatness isn't just about how high you jump—it's about how you give back. The fact that the CEO of the X-Games would pause his day in the middle of the Olympics to encourage a young athlete like me tells you everything you need to know about him.
Feeling Fired Up
Walking away from that meeting, I felt like I had grown three inches. It's a surreal feeling when someone who has reached the summit of their career takes the time to help you start your own climb.
Jeremy, if you're reading this: thank you. Thank you for the advice, the kindness, and for showing me that no matter how busy life gets, there is always time to inspire the next generation.
I'm headed back to the halfpipe now, and let's just say I've got a little extra "X-Games energy" in my step today!
Love, Zazi
PS. Follow the adventures of Zazi, the Indonesian Athlete, Teen Model & Snowboard Girl, on Instagram: Click Here!
