Dillan Glennie doesn’t remember a time before the mountain. Growing up in British Columbia surrounded by world-class athletes will do that to you. The moment she dropped into the halfpipe in Milano Cortina, the kid from Whistler who grew up idolizing local Olympians had become one.

The Word with Dillan Glennie

You grew up around Olympic athletes. What did that mean to you as a kid?

I grew up among quite a few local Olympians. As a young athlete, it was really inspiring having these athletes to look up to and knowing they came from the same small mountain that I ski on. Teal Harle, Cassie Sharpe, Spencer O'Brien. They were proof that athletes from my community could make it at the highest level.

I didn't start skiing with the goal of making the Olympics. I just loved skiing and that grew into the belief that I could be like my role models and keep doing what I love.

“It was really inspiring having these athletes to look up to and knowing they came from the same small mountain that I ski on.”

When did it all start?

I started skiing from as young as I can remember. My parents would take me to Grouse Mountain with one of my best friends. We would race each other to the lift and go so fast it got to the point where we weren't allowed to ski together anymore.

You missed the Canadian team for Beijing by one spot in 2022. How did that shape you as an athlete?

I actually didn't have the expectation to go to the Olympics when I started that season. I was always set on the 2026 Games. Throughout the World Cup circuit, I had a couple really good placings that qualified me, but because of the Canadian criteria, it came down to one of the last competitions and I unfortunately got bumped out. It was definitely upsetting being so close. But I think it just fueled my drive more.

Walk us through competition day in Milano.

I didn't compete until 7:30 pm, so it was a lot of waiting around and trying to control my nerves and excitement. I slept in until 11 am, which is crazy for me. Had breakfast, did an activation lift. I ended up at the warm-up area around 4 pm. I remember having to constantly remind myself to breathe and relax — a lot of talking to myself about why I was there and all the work I'd put in.

After training was done, I let myself fully take in all the excitement and went over to my friends and family. That was my favorite Olympic moment. The amount of excitement and love I felt in that moment from some of the most important people in my life was indescribable.

Take us through your first competition run.

I always take three deep breaths before dropping into a competition run or a scary trick. It helps me put the nerves aside and fully trust myself. My first trick is the scariest for me because it's my newest — a left cork 9. Then a right 5 mute, left flair tail, right 7, switch left 5, switch right 5.

I landed it, which was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

“I always take three deep breaths before dropping into a competition run or a scary trick. It helps me put the nerves aside and fully trust myself.”

Favorite moment from your runs at the Olympics? 

My favorite moment was my very last training run. It was the best run I've ever landed. All those nerves and doubt got pushed right off the table. I felt confidence and reassurance in myself.

You trained alongside Cassie Sharpe — your childhood idol — heading into these Games.

It was the best. I've looked up to Cassie for a long time. She's from the same small town as I am. Competing alongside her at the Games felt really special.

Electric is made for people who live on the mountain. What gear has become essential to how you train and compete?

The Hex goggles are my all-time favorites. Especially with the pink lenses in.

What's next?

I'm planning on moving to Europe for the summer and living in Innsbruck. There's an airbag setup not too far away that I'm going to train at. I'm going to continue competing and traveling. And I'm looking forward to hopefully being invited back to Snow League — one of the coolest events out there.