SNOWBOARD SLOPESTYLE: It's the biggest stage in Winter sport. Millions across the world are watching. Your event is making its Olympic debut, giving you the chance to make history and take out the first ever gold medal. You'd be forgiven for holding a little animosity toward your rivals. Not in the Snowboarding world.
SNOWBOARD SLOPESTYLE: It's the biggest stage in Winter sport. Millions across the world are watching. Your event is making its Olympic debut, giving you the chance to make history and take out the first ever gold medal. You'd be forgiven for holding a little animosity toward your rivals. Not in the Snowboarding world.
"The whole snowboard community is so close and are all friends," said Jamie Anderson (USA), winner of the Snowboard Slopstyle at the Sochi Winter Olympics.
"Everyone truly supports each other and really wants to see everyone to do their best."
Many viewers at home noticed the friendly banter and hugs between competitors, particularly when Sarka Pancochova (CZE) had a nasty fall and her competitors rallied around her.
“The atmosphere & camaraderie in is amazing. You wouldn't think it was an Olympic final - no tension, all smiles! Great to watch!” Tweeted Olympic silver medallist Jessica Fox.
"There's not like a hostile energy, it's really light and fun and it makes what we get to do so much better," Anderson said.
It is a sentiment echoed by Australia's Torah Bright, who finished seventh in the Slopstyle and was full of praise for the American.
“She’s one of the best riders in the world and I want to see the best do their best and win," Bright said.
“I think that was a wonderful representation of female snowboarding today and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
The generous displays of sportsmanship at such a high level of competition are what the Olympic Games are all about. At the core of Olympism are the values: friendship, excellence and respect.
"Everyone has such good energy," said finalist Karly Shaw (USA). "It's kind of indescribable. It feels like a dream."
"I'm super honoured to be a part of this," said fellow competitor Spencer O'Brien (CAN).
The reigning World Champion finished at the tail end of the 12-woman final but still described it as “a great day for women's snowboarding."
The goodwill, and incredible skills, of the Snowboarders will be in action throughout the Sochi Games with Halfpipe, Snowboard Cross and Parallel Slalom still to come.
