Kim “Kimmi” Rune Hansen is yet another Norwegian rider preparing to mount an assault on the TTR rankings.  In a shred hot-spot like Norway that produces so many top riders it can be hard to stand out from the crowd, but here is a competitor who knows what he wants and is not afraid to chase it.  He is a star fast rising on the international scene and attention will be focused on Kimmi this season as he pursues his dream of cracking into the TTR Top 10.

Snowboarding since he was 13, he grew up riding around the Norwegian area of Trysil with a solid crew of older snowboarders.   He soon progressed and started to train at the NTG Academy in Geilo, Norway, a school which combines snowboarding and a formal education for talented athletes.  The NTG ‘School Of Shred’ paved the way for his entry into the Norwegian National Team. As of then it wasn’t long before the young Kim Rune Hansen found a sponsor in Burton, scoring good contest results and drawing international attention.

In 2007, Kim rolled into the TTR spotlight when he impressed judges and fans alike at the Oakley Arctic Challenge (TAC). Launching monster airs and technical flips this new rookie demonstrated to the world why they needed to sit up and take notice.  Throughout the duration of 2007, Kimmi continued to post strong results taking out the Helly Hansen Invitational and placing second in the Norwegian Big Air and Slopestyle Championships.  Then in 2008, he claimed his first TTR 6Star title with a gigantic Chuckflip at the 6Star O’Neill Evolution Quarterpipe contest in Davos, Switerland.

Kim also put together an awesome part in the Burton film “It’s Always Snowing Somewhere” last season, but unfortunately he smashed his ankle whilst filming.  The injury did not deter him and he trained hard, putting in the hours to regain his fitness.  However, luck was not on Kimmi’s side when on his first day back on a snowboard in New Zealand he went down hard on his fifth run of the day, breaking his opposite ankle.  Back to back injuries like this could end many riders’ careers, or at least put a huge dent in their confidence, but not Kim. In 08/09 he is back, fitter and healthier than ever, ready to step up and climb the TTR Rankings.  

Interview 

You won the 6Star QP Event at the O’Neill Evolution last year.  That was a pretty insane contest.  You must have been stoked to win.  How did it feel? 

It felt pretty awesome. I didn’t expect to win and I had a lot of fun riding that day.  It was my day. I landed a good trick and felt really good about it.
 
 
I read a quote on TAC website that your goal for this season was to get into the Top 10 TTR Rankings.  What is motivating you to do this? Do you thrive on competition? What is your plan for the season?

My motivation is probably to just have fun and ride. I also like contests, at least when I have fun at them.  My plan for this season is just to do some contests, learn new tricks, and just have fun with friends.  Hopefully no more injuries!
 
I watched your video part in ‘It’s Always Snowing Somewhere’.  You were going huge, launching some sick tricks.  I also heard you injured yourself filming this, breaking one ankle, underwent rehab, and then after five runs in NZ you broke your other ankle.   It must be frustrating. How have you dealt with these injuries?

Yeah it was pretty frustrating, but I kept training, went to the gym everyday and now I am in better shape than ever.  Well maybe not at the moment since I just had surgery on my thumb four days ago,hehe.   It’s pretty unlucky, but I can ride so no worries.
 
Has being out of action motivated you do well this season?

Yeah it has, and it gave me motivation to train more and make sure that I won’t get more injuries like that. So hopefully I will have a great season
 
There are a lot of awesome Norwegian Riders on the TTR.  How do you plan to stand out from the crowd and get up there alongside Horgmo, Wiig and Bang?

I don’t know. They are some really good riders, and luckily I get to ride with them a lot and learn stuff.   I will also go my own way and do my tricks with my own style and hopefully the world loves it. I´ll become a great snowboarder like them.  I also ride pipe which they don´t really do.
 
 
You have been gradually been making a name for yourself on the TTR Tour (last year finishing in 18th position).  How has TTR helped you make yourself well known in the snowboard scene ?

The TTR is a pretty good thing which helps me with getting a bigger name in the snowboarding industry.
 

 
I also read you grew up riding with older guys who pushed you hard at your winter home in Trysil and NTG (snowboard school) at Geilo in Norway.  Who pushes you to step up? 

My friends and those I ride with pushes me and make me want to learn new stuff.