Leon Ulbricht had a consistent 2025/26 snowboarding season, including being on the podium in March for the fourth time this season at the final World Cup in Mont-Saint-Anne, Canada, winning the Silver medal, and with his success throughout the season, he won his first Crystal Globe. Further 2026 World Cups medals for Leon are Silver in Erzurum, Turkey and Montafon, Austria, and he competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy for Team Germany, racing in Men’s Snowboard Cross and Mixed Team Snowboard Cross with Jana Fischer. Throughout his snowboarding career so far, Leon competed as a senior in 2023 and 2025 at the Snowboarding World Championships, and as a junior, he became the World champion in 2022 and 2024. Answering our questions, Leon chatted to us about winning his first Crystal Globe this year after a consistent 2025/26 season, representing Team Germany at the 2026 Winter Olympics, becoming 2x Junior World champion in 2022 and 2024 and his further success over the years as a snowboard cross competitor.
In March, you made the podium for the fourth time in the 2025/26 season at Mont-Saint-Anne, Canada; how did you feel ending the snowboard cross season with a Silver medal?
When I took second place at the final World Cup in Canada, it was an absolutely insane race. I went in leading the overall by a single point, and it literally came down to the final run in the big final to decide who would take the Crystal Globe. So it was high tension until the very last moment!
You won your first Crystal Globe after a very consistent season; what did it mean to you to win it, and how does it change your mindset going into the next season?
Winning the Crystal Globe is honestly one of the biggest challenges for any athlete, because it’s not just about one big event – like a World Champs or Olympics – where you have to be great on that day. It reflects consistent performance across the entire season, every single race. I honestly didn’t start the season expecting to take the overall, but when it happened, I was just blown away. It gave me a massive confidence boost going into next season – like a real validation of where I stand.
How did you stay focused throughout the season and what was it like knowing the Crystal Globe was achievable?
So, early in the season, I wasn’t getting top results, and the Olympics, to be honest, didn’t go my way – I had some bad luck, got taken out in the Quarterfinal, and that was it. Honestly, it made me a bit angry. But from that point on, I raced with a kind of defiance – maybe even more hunger. Once I realised the Crystal Globe was within reach, it felt close – I just knew I was in top form. All I had to do was hold it together, especially for Canada. In the end, everything just clicked, and everyone was stoked.
Can you tell us about racing at the World Cups in Erzurum (Turkey) and Montafon (Austria), where you won a Silver medal at both, and what was it like competing at them a few weeks after making your Olympic debut?
Like I mentioned, the Olympics didn’t go great for me, so after that, I came in with a more winner-focused mindset. The next race, in Erzurum, Turkey, I took the win, and then in the second event, I got another second place. Then, Montafon, Austria – another second place. That was such a huge boost. From that point, things really took off – ironic timing, right after the Olympics were done. But hey, that’s sports for you!
How was it qualifying for the 2026 Winter Olympics and how did you prepare for the Games?
Qualifying for the Olympics was such a huge joy for me. I was incredibly grateful, and I really appreciated that opportunity. My team and I prepared intensely – we even recreated the Olympic start section in Flachauwinkl, Austria, thanks to Snowboard Germany – so the preparation was top-notch. Everything seemed aligned. That’s why it was even more frustrating that the Games didn’t work out for me, even though I was in top form. My training times were great, and I even qualified third fastest on race day – but sometimes, it just doesn’t fall into place.
How did you find the experience being part of a major international multi-sport competition and what was it like representing Team Germany?
Competing at a major international multi-sport event – yeah, the Olympics – was just an incredible honour. I knew it was the biggest sporting event I’d ever been part of so far. The attention was huge, and yeah, the pressure was too – something I’d never experienced before. But I’m really glad I went through it, and now I’m fired up for the next time around!
What did you enjoy most about your time in Italy and how was it staying in the athletes village?
Honestly, what I enjoyed most in Italy during the Olympics was the ski resort – Livigno is super cool – and, of course, the food. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed with the rest, including the athletes village. One other highlight though was the opening ceremony – but apart from that, I’d say it wasn’t all that special.
Having reached the Quarterfinals of the Men’s Snowboard Cross and finished 7th in Mixed Team Snowboard Cross with Jana Fischer; what were both events like to race in and what do you feel you learnt from competing at your first Winter Olympics?
Racing there was absolutely crazy – the crowd was huge. Every time I crossed the finish line and heard people cheering, it was breathtaking. Honestly, I think that was the biggest stage I’ve had so far.
One big lesson I took from the Olympics was learning how to use that attention properly – especially on social media. I didn’t handle it well at the time. I deliberately distanced myself from the pressure – deleted Instagram and let my sister manage it – because I didn’t want to deal with questions or the stress. But, looking back, I should’ve leaned into it – posted more and built that reach. Honestly, that’s by far the biggest takeaway from the Games. Everything else didn’t have that same learning effect.
What are some of your favourite memories from competing at the Snowboarding World Championships over the years as both a senior (2023 & 2025) and junior (2021, 2022, 2023 & 2024) athlete?
In short: It’s been a crazy journey. I moved out young, at 14, for boarding school to focus on snowboarding, and that shaped me into who I am. Those early travels became something I loved, and now travelling is almost a hobby. That’s what stands out most from my World Champs memories – it’s all part of this wild journey that’s shaped me.
How was it becoming Junior World champion in Veysonnaz in 2022 and again in Gudauri in 2024?
In 2022, winning the Junior World Championship in Veysonnaz was just insane – it’s still one of the biggest milestones of my career. I wasn’t a favorite going in, but I had an amazing day, rode at my best, and took the win. From that point on, things really took off for me.
By 2024, I had already won a World Cup, so heading to Gudauri, I was aiming to take that title again. It was a tough race, strong competition – but yeah, let’s just say the afterparty in Gudauri was worth it!
Can you tell us about some of your further stand-out highlights from your snowboard career so far, and how do you feel you’ve changed as a snowboarder since your early competitions?
I’d say one stand-out highlight is how I started as just a snowboarder competing at events – and now I’ve become this all-around athlete, maybe even a bit of a businessperson, because I’ve made a living from it. I only do what I love now, and at the same time, I’ve optimised areas where I can get better – whether it’s strength training, endurance, or coordination. That’s how things have evolved for me, compared to those early competitions versus now.
How did you originally get into snowboarding and did you always know you wanted to compete at a high level?
It all started on a ski holiday – I grabbed my dad’s snowboard, took it out on the slope, and it just clicked. I had a blast. From there, my mom found me a local snowboard club back in Germany, and then I moved up into the national squad and higher structures. The competitions followed naturally.
I never set out thinking about the Olympics or anything – I just did it because I loved it. Everything kind of fell into place on its own. I never had any performance pressure in my career – which I think is rare – and honestly, I think that’s been the key to my success.
Is there anything you find most rewarding about competing as a snowboarder and representing Germany around the world?
What’s most rewarding to me is representing Germany on the world stage. I feel like Germany is well-respected globally, and when I tell people I’m German, there’s often that “wow” reaction – which makes me proud.
Beyond that, I’m grateful to be on the road with my team. I’ve made lifelong friends. That combination – doing what I love, for my country, with an amazing crew – is just incredible.
Can you tell us about your typical training day, and how much has it changed over the years?
It really depends on the phase – whether I’m in off-season athletic training or on the snowboard.
In summer, when I’m training athletically, I’m hitting eight to 12 sessions a week, following a plan with my athletic coach. We’ve got a team that includes not just snowboarders but also ski cross athletes – since joining the World Cup, that’s leveled up a lot.
In winter, when we’re snowboarding, we’re on the board until midday – either snowboard cross (SBX) training, giant slalom turns, or a mix. Last year, we spent September in Ushuaia, Argentina – amazing camp. Then the prep phase starts in Europe – like on glaciers in Stelvio, Italy, or Saas-Fee, Switzerland. By November, we’re in Pitztal, Austria – that’s where the first race kicks off.
Have you been given any advice over your time in sports so far that has stuck with you?
It’s not like someone gave me one specific piece of advice – I’ve taken my own lessons from experience.
Before competitions, I remind myself of these personal mantras: ride smart, don’t get injured, enjoy it, and do what you love. These self-given reminders help me get into the right mindset. There are more, but those are the key ones when it comes to snowboarding.
Did you have any favourite athletes to support when growing up, and do you have any other favourite sports to follow?
I never really had role models or favourite athletes growing up. I’ve always kind of focused on myself. I’d compare what others did versus what I did, see what made sense, and adjust things that added value. But, like I said, I didn’t – and still don’t – have idols.
Outside snowboarding though, I love surfing. I’m into mountain biking, skating, and paddle tennis too – and I actually do all of them myself!
How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time, I love hanging out with friends. I often do weekend trips – exploring new cities and places.
I also stay active – I play a lot of paddle tennis in my downtime and do road cycling, which overlaps with my training – but I love doing long rides, like 100km tours. And, of course, surfing – surf trips are a big part of it.
As you can tell, it’s all about being on the move – and honestly, travel has become one of my biggest passions. So a lot of my free time is spent exploring the world.
I’d also add that I’m a huge techno fan, and in the off-season, I love going to techno events with my friends. I just love feeling that heavy bass – music brings people together, and techno is one of my biggest passions, especially raves. For example, on May 9th, I’ll be at a big techno event in Rotterdam by Klangkuenstler – it’s called Outworld. Honestly, it’s a bit of a dream come true to finally be at an event like that. Techno also fuels me personally – when I’m training, it pushes me forward like a workout boost. Even on competition mornings, when I’m getting ready, I need that bass pounding in my ears. It gets me hyped!
Last hobby: I’ve also started getting into painting over the past six months. I set it as a goal for myself last year because I’ve always felt like I had a bit of an artistic side – even when I was younger, I enjoyed drawing and painting.
One of my favorite cities is Paris, just because there’s so much beauty and inspiration everywhere. For my current piece, I used AI to reinterpret an image and make it more abstract, and then used that as a reference for my painting. The 1.5m x 1m painting is almost finished now, and honestly, I’m thinking about sticking with it and continuing to create more artwork in the future.
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