Drop In!: A Snowboarding Life

by Billy Morgan

Snowboarding maverick Billy Morgan has dedicated his life to redefining what is possible. With two world firsts to his name, he is also the first British male to win an Olympic medal on snow. Emerging from working-class origins in Southampton, Morgan came late to the traditionally bourgeois world of snowsports. Driven by a latent love for fun, he reaches far beyond the cliches of stoner kids and street slang to explore the courage required at his sport's highest levels. Morgan's specialist event, Big Air, involves flying off a 50-meter ramp at 70 miles per hour, spinning and twisting while airborne, then landing. Even within the death-defying world of adventure sports, it is one of the most dangerous disciplines imaginable. In this groundbreaking autobiography, Morgan outlines the culture, ethos, and philosophy of his sport. A sport in which one wrong move can cause life-changing injury. A sport whose party-animal practitioners feel peculiarly attuned with nature. Stomped! is a testament to human potential.

289 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2021

Reviews

[Robbie Bond · Rating 4 out of 5]

The British equivalent to the Americans much loved 'Can't Hurt Me'. An inspirational journey through an extraordinary, resilient, tough go getter. But as per the stereotypical British characteristic this story is told in a more understated way.

I'm more of an avid skier than boarder, but have a love for snow sports nonetheless, so I was excited to read the story of the first British male to win an olympic medal on snow. Billy Morgan's laid back and general outlook on life make it for such easy reading, but even more incredible is the undertone of hard work and determination as he redefines the impossible. Morgan refers to his key attributes being attitude, technique and gumption, which is a true testament to his character. Throughout the book Morgan portrays gratefulness, humbleness and passion for his life with appreciation to those around him that got him to where he is. There is no judgement on others and this is no more apparent than when he discusses the negativity he has received online by stating "who are any of us to place limitation on anyone else".
Openly discussing his mental health and mental approach to challenges is something to be revered and made all the more impressive as he continued to accomplish many achievments in his sport e.g. Triple Backside Rodeo trick, Quadruple Cork trick, X Games and Olympic Medals.

As a feature on YouTube's 'People Are Awesome' video, this book is more a feature of 'Billy Morgan Is Awesome"! Great read and recommend to any winter sport enthusiast.

[Peter Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written insight to Billy’s life.