Two Tahoe-based athletes, Maddie Bowman and David Wise, have secured their spots for the 2014 Olympic Games in halfpipe freeskiing.
Remember these names: Maddie Bowman and David Wise, because they're considered serious medal contenders in the new Olympic sport, full of high-flying thrills. Before, the Olympic event was just for snowboarders.
The two persevered through incredibly challenging conditions in Breckenridge, Colo., on Sunday, taking the top spots in the Sprint Grand Prix, the third of five Olympic qualifying events.
"Yeah, you know, it's always tough to compete in adverse conditions,” Wise said, “but a lot of guys were landing really good runs, so I was just stoked to put solid runs down and coming away with the win is an amazing feeling."
Canada's Mike Riddle took second place and France's Kevin Rolland finished third.
On the women's side, Bowman scored 84 points to take first place and also clinch a spot on the U.S. team.
Another freeskier hoping to make it happen is Brita Sigourney, who is from Carmel. She fell in her second run Sunday, but can still qualify in two more upcoming competitions.
Japan's Ayana Onozuka finished second and American Amy Sheehan finished third.
Sports
The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics begins on Feb. 6, with the Opening Ceremonies taking place on Feb. 7.
