Biba and Phoebe Rep Their Nations

Grand Prix slopestyle events are always so action packed that my nerves kick in days before practice. This year was no different. The process of getting Biba into the event was an emotional roller coaster in itself. Michaela Davis-Meehan had to pull, which kicked off the event with an unfortunate disappointment. Phoebe came into the event with a bruised heel, and Biba only had one hour of practice on the course. Nerves were high indeed.

Yet now as I sit by the fire, still in shred gear, everything seems alright. Four inches of fresh snow set the tone for fun riding and soft landings. I drew the lot of practice guinea pig and even with good wax and a racing speed-tuck I put my back foot on the last two knuckles. More traffic sped things up a bit, but jump 3 ended up being blocked off for the comp. Phoebe's first run sat in first for a tantalizingly long time. She ended up 3 out of finals, but her top 30 percent finish is good for her Olympic goals and she seems to have gotten the nod from Bill Enos to go to the World Cup in Sochi Russia next month. I believe she finished 4th for the US, behind Jamie Anderson, Megan Ginter and Kylee Shore.

After a minor shake-up on the staircase of rail 1, Biba kicked it into gear and landed both her runs, stepping up run two with a backside 360. After having to struggle with the Australian organizers to get a spot in the event, she finished 2nd for her country, besting even Torah Bright. These two girls work hard, think hard and handle some heavy situations with a focus we can all envy.