“Winning requires your spirit, mind, body and attitude.” Chile's Francisco "Coco" Zurita is a world-class action sports athlete. Recalling a scene from the 2017 X-Games, Coco is remembered on the vert ramp for a number of reasons: his bike is set up like a modern street rider's machine -- no brakes -- and he blasts some of the highest airs of the entire field while riding the halfpipe like a flowing set of trails. His bike control results in airs that are so stylish, he doesn't need to do tricks to capture attention. Coco told me he wins when he's having fun, saying “often the guys that smile are the ones who win.”

Zurita's one of the most talented riders on tour, maintaining this high performance for over a decade. He's 32 and focuses on his training and nutrition, where his focus lies on plyometric workouts and periodical juicing diets. Through different improvement vehicles, Coco's won the BMX world championship, became the first rider in the world to land a triple tail-ship, has competed in more than 11 X-Games, and won Rider of the Year at the Dew Tour Series. 

What I love about Coco is his introspection. His personal and professional growth are dedicated to embracing the uncomfortable. He calls it change – telling me that most people hate change, yet the only thing constant in life is change.

Finally, if you’re like me and have always dreamed of adopting and speaking another language, Zurita will tell you how. His native speaking language is Spanish, but he became fluent in English in a short 9-month window. 

Suiting Up is a show that explores the psychology, playbook of tools, and strategies of the most influential people in sports, entertainment and business. Navigating each conversation, I strive to unpack how world-class performers think, compete, improve, operate, train, eat and sleep.