US Ski Team Members Brita Sigourney and David Wise have secured their place on the US Freeski Halfpipe Olympic Team for the Beijing Olympics next month. Both Sigourney and Wise have their roots at Alpine Meadows, both having gotten their start on the Alpine Meadows Freestyle Team, under the direction of Coach Clay Beck, in the early part of the 2000’s. This will be the third Olympic appearance for both athletes.
The final qualifying competition was the 2022 Toyota Grand Prix event at Mammoth. Athletes first competed in the qualifier event Thursday in the halfpipe, with winds gusting to 45 mph. The final round, scheduled for Friday, was delayed due to even heavier winds. Both the mens’ and women’s final round was held today. Sigourney, with a score of 87.75 was the highest scoring female USA athlete, landing third on the podium. Wise scored a 95.25, the highest scoring male USA athlete, earning him the second spot on the podium.
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing both of these athletes since they were about 12, and their drive is strong. This year’s scores are more impressive knowing that some of their fellow competitors are a decade younger. David Wise earned the gold medal for skier halfpipe in both 2014 and 2018. Sigourney finished 6th in 2014 and earned the bronze medal in 2018. Hopefully we will see both on the podium next month.
David’s Podium Run
Brita’s Podium Run
There are a number of other Olympic hopeful athletes in the area, including local favorites Bryce Bennett (Downhill) and Travis Ganong (Super-G and Downhill). Good luck to all!