Hey World!

Here is a short video of the opening ceremony.

Today was the finals for slalom and trick. I got a great night sleep and was ready for the finals. Unfortunately, it didn’t go as well as I hoped. I felt really good out there today. I think it was technically the best I have skied this winter. I just made a little mistake, getting on it too early out of 3 ball at 38/11.25m, and it was over. I hear that I had the best dismount of the tournament and possible the best one people have ever seen in slalom. I am looking forward to seeing in on film. If anyone was able to get any good shots of it, send them my way. Or any photos of me skiing would be great. My family does not take pictures or video while I ski in big tournaments. When I was younger, something bad always happened so we would rather be safe than sorry.

As for the rest of the team, Alex and Lauren tied for 3rd with Delfi from Peru. They all ran 3@35/12m. They go to the back up score and Alex and Delfi had the same score from prelims. They had a run off and Delfi won. It was still great skiing for the USA in women’s slalom. Kate Adriaensen of Belguim won with 2@38/11.25m and Geena Krueger of Germany got 2nd with 5.5@35/12m.

In Men’s slalom, Dylan fell early but Adam skied out of his mind. He ran 3@39/10.75m and ended up in a tie for 1st with Felipe Miranda from Chile. Felipe won in the run off. Adam Sedlmajer placed 3rd with 2@39/10.75m. They were the only 3 men to run 38 in the finals.

The excitement didn’t stop there. Tricks got very interesting. Alex fell halfway through her first run but stood up her 2nd pass (hands). We thought that she might podium depending on how everyone would do. Iris from France was top seed and fell on her first trick w5f. She decided to stay with her hand pass. The next turn of events shocked everyone on shore. Once again, Iris fell on w5f. The shore was dead silent as everyone was in shock. My heart went out to her. I couldn’t imagine how she felt. Alex ended up winning tricks, Kate in 2nd and Petra from Czech Republic in 3rd.

Men’s tricks didn’t disappoint. Tyler fell on his 5th flip at the end of his first pass and he stood up his second pass. He was excited and threw a few fist pumps. Next up was Dylan, he is so smooth on the ski and he stood up both passes. Pickos stood up both passes as well. He had a phenomenal day in slalom and tricks. He ended up winning tricks, Felipe was 2nd, and Adam Sedlemajer was 3rd. No, I didn’t make a mistake, it was the same 3 on the podium as slalom.

Even though the skiing didn’t go the way I would have liked, it has been a great experience here in Chile and as a team, TEAM USA is doing great!

Tonight we went to California Cantina again for the playoff games. I was able to watch my Niners beat the Saints!! It was great because everyone we were with was rooting for the Saints. It was a great game and I am glad we were able to get the win!!!