USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt, together with the U.S. Olympic Committee and Team partner Visa, announced the roster of 18 athletes to compete in the snowboard events at Cypress Mountain in Vancouver.
"We are going in to the 2010 Games with one of the strongest athletic line-ups possible," U.S. Snowboarding Head Coach Peter Foley said. "We're hoping to go into Vancouver and build on the successes we saw in 2006. This Team is in position to do great things."
The team is lead by the superstar of snowboarding, Shaun White. "Shaun is truly an amazing competitor. After winning in 2006 he has been non-stop and has played a huge role in the progression halfpipe has seen in these past four years," U.S. Snowboarding Halfpipe Head Coach Mike Jankowski said.
Joining White is a lineup of talented riders with unique style, including Louie Vito (Sandy, UT), who has back to back double corks in his repertoire and Scotty Lago (Seabrook, NH) who reaches mesmerizing heights with each hit in the halfpipe as well as Greg Bretz (Mammoth Lakes, CA).
On the women's side of things, two Olympic Champion are leading the team. On the won hand there will be Kelly Clark who had been using her time to lock down new tricks that she plans to add to her run as she looks for success in Vancouver. On the other hand, Hannah Teter is ready for some action again.
Filling out the women's roster, Olympic silver medallist Gretchen Bleiler (Aspen, CO) and 2006 Olympian Elena Hight (South Lake Tahoe, CA) all bring the Olympic experience and heavy-hitting tricks to make the grade at Cypress Mountain.
Defending snowboard cross champ Wescott fills out one of the most talented SBX men's teams making its way to Vancouver.
"It was a huge battle to make this men's SBX team. Six different U.S. riders have already been on the World Cup podium this season, and only four of them make the Olympic Team," Foley said. "Vancouver is going to be an incredible fight for the podium, and our guys are ready for it."
In addition, Nate Holland (Squaw Valley, CA) is gunning for success after an unfortunate fall in the 2006 Games. After getting a surprise shot at being an Olympian in 2006, Graham Watanabe (Sun Valley, ID) is prepared for 2010, toting World Cup wins on his way in. And, joining the seasoned Olympians is World Championship bronze medallist Nick Baumgartner (Iron River, MI).
In the women's SBX field, Lindsey Jacobellis (Stratton Mountain, VT), who earned silver in 2006, has taken win after win in the four years leading up to the 2010 Games and looks strong going in to Vancouver.
Joining Jacobellis are Olympic newcomers and solid contenders Faye Gulini (Salt Lake City) and Callan Chythlook-Sifsof (Girdwood, AK).
Finalizing the Olympic Snowboarding Team are the alpine racers, who are led by 2006 Olympian Tyler Jewell (Steamboat Springs, CO), who came out on top of the team selection process.
Two-time Olympian and 2002 bronze medallist Chris Klug (Aspen, CO) joins Jewell for the men. He notched two top-eight results on the World Cup this season to grab his third team spot and was on the original Olympic Team in 1998 for the sport's debut. Michelle Gorgone (Boston), who also competed in 2006, will represent the U.S. for the women.
"Klug's hard work and perseverance have really paid off" Foley said. "What an amazing accomplishment it is for him to make the Olympic teams in 98, and 2002, then miss the team in 2006, and now comeback and make the team again in 2010."
The Team is subject to final review by the U.S. Olympic Committee.
