EGO Sports

Simon Dumont, 22, an internationally acclaimed freestyle skier of Passamaquoddy descent, is shown skiing in La Clusaz, France, one of the European countries in which he has competed.

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Native heritage source of strength for world-class athlete

By Carol Berry, Today correspondent

Story Published: Feb 13, 2009

Story Updated: Feb 13, 2009

ASPEN, Colo. – The glistening slopes of this upscale ski community hosted recent Winter X-Games events, one of which yielded gold for internationally acclaimed freestyle skier Simon Dumont, who won the big air contest.

Dumont, 22, who is of Passamaquoddy heritage, said all Native youth have what it takes to succeed.

“I’d tell them, ‘be strong – don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Do whatever you need to be successful. You have all the tools you need.’”

Dumont discussed his Native background and skiing in general by phone Jan. 29 in a brief interval between a day-long visit with an injured friend and preparations to leave for filming in British Columbia.

In his youth, Dumont said his family traveled across Maine from his hometown, the mountain community of Bethel, to Passamaquoddy tribal lands in the northern part of the state for Indian Day Celebrations, “which were a lot of fun for young guys like me.”

His mother, Barbara Bassett Dumont, Passamaquoddy, gets the word out in the community when he is on television or in competition and maintains ties in other ways because he still has relatives in the tribal area.
Photo Courtesy Red Bull
Simon Dumont, a Native freeskier, took gold in the big air competition at the Winter X Games this past January in Aspen, Colo. Dumont, 22, has medaled each year since 2004 in national and international events.


Dumont said he feels a tie to his Native heritage because of empathy he feels with the “history of oppression,” but it has affected him in other ways as well.

“I’ve been a little stronger and more dedicated and determined to be successful in doing this, not only for myself but for other people. I’m trying to show others that we’re a strong people.”

He would tell Native youth and others that freeskiing requires a lot of training, as well as agility, air sense, balance and other skills because “one little thing can be a disaster,” as he learned in a spectacular, 100-foot fall at age 18.

As another “lesson” in perseverance, he recalled being back on skis in about a month after the fall because “that’s just what you do.”

Although he took first place in the Winter X Games big air competition, he said he hoped for a first in the half pipe category and ultimately would probably attain it because, “I’m an overachiever.”

Dumont passed up the competition to be with his injured friend, his manager said. Riley Poor, a mentor and director of an upcoming documentary with Dumont, was undergoing rehabilitation in Colorado after an injury in Vermont several weeks ago.

The next stop for Dumont is northern British Columbia, where he is filming a documentary from a young person’s perspective. “It’s sort of action sports through my eyes.”

The film, “Transitions,” is scheduled for release next fall and is a two-year documentary, he said.

The Native athlete has traveled far and wide, medaling in Sweden, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Canada and all over the United States since 2004.

He began skiing at age 3, and on April 11, 2008 set the world quarter pipe height record at Sunday River ski resort near his home in Maine, achieving 35.5 feet out of a 38-foot quarter pipe.

Monday, Jun 29 at 3:18 AM quick weight loss diet wrote ...

Epical stories are enacted by creating shadow effects of epical heroes. Each puppet is controlled by twines tied to the fingers of the organisers. Sri Rama, Ravana and other mythical characters are animated thus.

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Tuesday, May 12 at 10:33 AM WAMP1 wrote ...

THATS THE WAY TO GO PROUD AS ALL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND NATIVES ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE TO HEAR OF YOUR GOOD FORTUNE

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Thursday, Apr 30 at 12:23 PM Michelle Hayes wrote ...

The Cherokee blood flowing through me made a tough athlete as well. It was like when things were harder, I worked harder. I have a rare eye disease but still won the 1995 Junior Olympic speed skating when I was 21. I then made it to semi-pro and took second at the Midwest Regionals, but an injury to my left knee ended my career. Native people are strong in any sense you can think of. Aho!!!

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Saturday, Mar 14 at 12:47 PM Terri Lee wrote ...

I am so proud to see an American Indian involved in sports. I know we are strong people and that you are an inspiration to us all.

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Tuesday, Mar 10 at 7:57 PM Etta Conner Scott wrote ...

Proud to see a Native American youth with great skiing abilities. Keep up the good work you are an inspiration to our Native youths. I raised 6 native youths; they all skied. My youngest son learned at the age of 4. We all loved to ski together, it's a wonderful sport.

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Monday, Feb 23 at 3:29 PM lauraseagull@hotmail.com wrote ...

Keep up the good work Simon. Your family and friends here in Passamaquoddy Country are very proud of you. You are an inspiration for all - especially our youth.

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