Shaun White, Gretchen Bleiler, others share insights
February 6th, 2006
USA SNOWBOARD HALFPIPE PRESS CONFERENCE - February 6, 2006
Gretchen Bleiler, Aspen/Snowmass Village, Colo.
On entering the Torino Olympic Winter Games as the No. 1 rider after missing the team in 2002 on a tiebreaker:
“It was a childhood dream of mine to be an Olympian one day. I worked so hard to get where I am now. It’s unbelievable to be at the Olympics in Italy. I’m excited to do my best and give it my all.
Kelly Clark, West Dover, Vt.
Assessing her season entering Torino as the defending Olympic gold medalist:
“I had a slow start for my season. It took all the way to the last round of qualifying to make the team. I’m really glad to be back now. I feel good and confident coming into the Games.”
Andy Finch, Fresno, Calif.
On the importance of the last day at Mountain Creek:
“We knew a storm was coming in but it was bright and blue. Show up to the pipe and out of nowhere a storm moved in and we knew it was unsafe. We pushed for the event to be run Sunday morning. For a lot of guys the pressure built up, more time to have it run through their heads. For me I calmed myself with no worries. It was a calm morning, the conditions were perfect and I just went out and did what I do. “
Danny Kass, Portland, Maine
On how this Olympic Winter Games is different from 2002:
“Salt Lake City was amazing in just getting to go there. The sport has progressed so much, it will take everyone riding at the top level.”
What makes California so good for snowboarding?
“One of the major factors is the weather and the amount of snow they get. It’ll snow a lot and then get really hot and spring conditions in the middle of the winter. It allows you to try your hardest maneuvers at the beginning of the weather and progress all year long.”
Shaun White, Carlsbad, Calif.
Comparing earning his first Olympic berth with this other accomplishments:
“It was pretty intense. When I was 15, I really was going for the Olympics. It was rough to not make it in the end. This year was better, but I barely made it on the team. I didn’t understand how big a thing the Olympics are until I showed up here.”
How has the attitude about the Olympics changed for the half pipers?
“It has changed so much now with a big emphasis on style. It’s better for the sport the way the judging is now.”
Elena Hight, Zephyr Cove, Nev.
On her memories of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, held when she was 12 years old and in the sixth grade:
“I remember watching the halfpipe competition at the Olympics with my class in school. It is crazy how much this sport has progressed since then. I never expected to be here four years ago.”
On the secret to her being one of the most consistent podium performers this season:
“I went into this year not focusing on the Olympics too much. I went to each individual event thinking about having fun and riding as well as I could.”
Hannah Teter, Belmont, Vt.
On the importance of her family and their involvement in the sport:
“I have four older brothers and they inspired me. We had a trampoline in the backyard and enjoyed bouncing off of it and landing on cars. I enjoy the adventurous and fearlessness. Once they started snowboarding, they took me with them. They led the way to snowboarding. I am very lucky to have them.”
How important was for you to be in Torino?
“I would never have guessed it. I was a forerunner at the 2002 Olympics and I watched everyone. I really wanted to do this and earn a spot in the Olympics. I am lucky to be here. It’s kind of crazy. I never thought I’d do it. I’m excited to be here and see everyone.”
Mason Aguirre, Duluth, Minn.
How did you get into snowboarding?
“I started snowboarding when I was six years old. My older brother Tyler got sick of hockey and got started snowboarding with his friends. My dad went to the store to buy a snowboard and ended up with three for my sister and me. Snowboarding has been a lot of fun for our family. I started competing when I was eight. I am excited about being here and excited about our team’s chances.”
On the support his family has given him:
“My dad and stepmom have really helped me, both financially and with their support. I’m lucky to have them around and involved. It really helps to have them around and emotionally involved.”
