I
just got back from Stratton, VT where the Burton US Open was held. This year in
particular was the 30th anniversary. The Open was so much fun and
was planned out really nicely. I loved the respect both the resort and the
public gave you especially in the lift lines. The best part was the perfection
of the half pipe and the way it was built. I competed in the
Junior Jam (Under 13) so we had 4 practise days and these were after the open
events were finished for the day, even though the pipe was ruined it was still
one of the best half pipes I had ever competed in. On the 12th I
competed, it was early and the pipe was icy, but the experience was still the best. I came second, 6 points
behind Burton rider Chloe Kim (USA). We had 3 runs. My first run was a safety run with just
airs and a 540 at the end, I was in second place. I was then sledded up to the
top and was asked to drop almost straight away, this time my run was similar but 2
hits after the 540, I did a 720. I had been trying to land this trick for a
while and wasn't landing consistently, but we tried anyway and I landed,Ǜ was so happy
that even if I came last I wouldn't have cared, I again got sledded to the top
for my final run. I looked at the score and I was still in second place. For my
final run I was doing 2 airs then a front 540 to a back 540 to a front 720. I
was going well and then I fell on my back 540. Even though I fell I was still
so happy with runs. The best bit was standing on the podium with USA riders
Chloe Kim in first place and Madison Barrett in third. The worst bit was
washing all the apple cider out of my hair :) The US Open was one of the best things I
have ever done and I’m so excited to compete next year!
Photo By Burton
