Ethan and I are at it again! We’re on location in beautiful Portland Maine, shooting another 14 episodes of Outside Today, the flagship morning show on Outside Television. This new winter season promises a ton of fun segments: ski tips, travel advice and in-depth profiles from some of the world’s top athletes. We’ll chat with senior editors of Outside Magazine about everything from the latest tech gear, to rockered skis, fashionable winter wear to the best outdoor documentary films of all time.
Filming a TV show takes a lot of work but Ethan, the crew and I are having a blast! Plus, there’s a lot to love about Portland. It’s a quaint town with charming boutiques, tons of natural beauty and some of the best food I’ve had anywhere. But beyond binge eating lobster rolls (and sipping back the occasional delicious clam chowder), one of my most exciting moments in Portland so far was meeting two-time Olympic gold medalist in snowboard cross, Seth Westcott.
Seth began snowboarding at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine when he was 10 years old. In addition to seven X Games medals, three SBX national championships and five World Cup podiums, this down-to-earth hometown boy swept the first Olympic men’s snowboardcross at the 2006 games in Torino, Italy. In 2010, at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Wescott defended the gold and brought home yet another Olympic victory.
It was an honor to have this hunky professional snowboarder on the set of Outside Today. He spoke candidly to Ethan and I about his experiences, the challenges he faces in this relatively new sport and his future plans for the next winter Olympics.
Best of all? He brought his gold medals! I handled the round gold medallion of champions. Marveling at their color, weight and size, they were far heavier than I imagined. I’ve had a lot of crazy experiences in my life but I have to admit, fondling these gold medals was quite thrilling!! This is certainly the closest I’ll ever come to my own Olympic gold medal (especially since my snowboard moves are mostly face plants).
Stay tuned for the interview with Seth Westcott on Outside Television. It’s a good one! For more visit www.outsidetelevision.com
