Journal

Friday, March 19, 2010

BD athletes Johnny Collinson and Andrew Pollard place 2nd and 3rd at the Junior Freeskiing Nationals' stop at Snowbird, Utah

Black Diamond athletes Johnny Collinson and Andrew Pollard pulled off impressive 2nd and 3rd place finishes respectively at the Junior Freeskiing Nationals' stop at Snowbird, Utah. Below are emails the two young rippers sent us about their runs, as well as some photos. Congratulations to both Johnny and Andrew!


kids
From: Andrew Pollard
Date: March 15, 2010 10:20:06 PM MDT
Subject: SNOWBIRD!

I competed in the 2010 Jr. Freeskiing Nationals last Saturday and Sunday.  It was an awesome experience and I had a great time! On day one I skied a little hesitant and ended up in seventh place, and was over 3.5 points down from the leader. So I knew that on Sunday I had to go for it, and it went great! I ended up having the highest scoring run of the day and moved into 3rd place. Also on top of that I received the Sick Bird award for my fluid skiing and large bottom air! It was one of my favorite comps so far, and to share the podium with a fellow BD skier was just icing on the cake!

Looking for another podium in Targhee this weekend then it’s off to Crystal!

Thanks for all the support you have given me this season so far, I am so grateful!!!

— Andrew


From: John Collinson
Date: March 17, 2010 3:43:05 PM PDT
Subject: RE: Comp

The morning of the first day, Saturday, wasn’t looking good for a competition. The snow had frozen the night before, so the venue was loaded with icy moguls. Closures were keeping us Juniors out of any real cliff areas, so we were making do with what we had. The weather was not cooperating either; a dark overcast layer was making everyone reach for their lightest lenses.

“Bib 111, Johnny Collinson, dropping!” My skis chattered on the snow, the first air, done, second air, could have taken it deeper. A long open area, so I let it rip—maybe too much. Coming into trees at about 40 mph was a little too hot. I reached the final features, one cliff down and sliding into my double. Damn, When did that stump get in there? I crept off the first one, bam, took the second air super deep. Cheers from the crowd announced that I had stomped it. At the end of the day, 4th place—a pretty good spot to be sitting in headed to finals.

Sunday morning, and the weather wasn’t looking too hot again. It was supposed to clear up a bit, but right now it wasn’t happening. I waited up top for nearly an hour with the other top competitors. Finally, we headed off to start hiking Baldy. A lowered start had made nearly the whole rest of the run visible almost magically. Growing apprehension was in my stomach. Finally it was time to do what I do best. I dropped in, no hesitation. Sent the first air about 45 feet, and coming out hot. Flying across the hill I punched an unexpected air into a deep powder pocket. Whoa. Two turns into my next cliff, again took it deep. Then coming into my final feature, I got stuck. More stumps. I had to hop around for what felt like eternity until I was finally on the edge of my double. Launch the first one, compress, send the second. That’s all it takes. The next three guys went, Leo, my teammate and buddy sent a huge 40 foot back flip, and Silas, sitting in first, took a tumble.

Feeling good about my run proved to be good, ended up in 2nd. Little cottonwood dominated the podium again. Leo in first, me in second, little Andrew in third, and Sammo in 4th. Feels pretty good to hold it down on the home hill. Now, headed up to Targhee, and explore some new terrain!

— Johnny

Photos

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