News
Slopestyle Added to 2014 Winter Olympics
On 06, Jul 2011 | No Comments | In News | By Lisa
Yesterday, the International Olympic Committee announced the addition of ski & snowboard slopestyle events to the list of events for 2014′s Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Snowboard parallel slalom was also added along with women’s ski jumping & ski halfpipe back in April. The Committee believes their decision will draw in younger viewers & that adding these popular events will keep the Games more relevant, while the USSA is excited to finally welcome this huge step forward for the future of freestyle skiing & riding.
“The IOC’s decision to add slopestyle to the Olympics recognizes the millions of youth who are already participating in the sport in terrain parks around the world,” said USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt. “It will have a very positive impact on the sport including our U.S. Snowboarding and U.S. Freeskiing programs.”
The scoring & qualification process is still in development and has come across as a concern for some in the industry. TTR & FIS will be joining forces to create a solid strategy on regulating the competitions – a task that’s definitely easier said than done. Whatever the outcome, competitors, aspiring athletes, & spectators can agree that the IOC is headed in the right direction. Expect to see new sports during the 2020 Summer Games too – wakeboarding, karate, & climbing are all being considered.
The Rosa Khutor Skiing Centre & Snowboard Park in Sochi will hold the Freestyle & Snowboard European Cups in March 2012, Freestyle World Cup in February 2013 and Snowboard World Cup in March 2013. At least that should hold us over until 2014…
Submit a Comment
Categories
SEARCH