Brazilian snowboarder Pat Burgener says he feels complete when he can combine halfpipe snowboarding with music.

Burgener, 31, was born and raised in Switzerland and competed for Switzerland at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games and the 2022 Beijing Olympics. His mother was born in Lebanon but grew up in Brazil, and he said he had long wanted to join Brazil’s team.

On February 17, he played music at Brazil House in Milan, a gathering place organized by Brazil’s Olympic committee. Around 50 people danced and clapped as he played guitar, used a harmonica, and worked drum pedals with his bare feet. Burgener said he found a balance between snowboarding and music. He plays many instruments and said music helped him focus.

He has recorded dozens of songs, and his first single in Portuguese was released as the Games began. He said he usually tours from April to December, playing about 80 shows, and then switches to the snowboard season.

Burgener’s first Olympics with Brazil ended in Livigno, Italy, on February 11. He finished 14th in men’s halfpipe qualifying and did not reach the final. He said the mixed emotions after the Olympics can be hard, but he wants to turn the experience into songs.