FREESTYLE – SKI HALFPIPE: Australia was represented by Amy Sheehan and Davina Williams in Ski Halfpipe at the Sochi Olympic Winter Games. 

It was the first time the event had been held at the Olympics and it was an emotional time for the athletes with the memory of Canadian Sarah Burke, who had pioneered the sport before passing away in a training accident in January 2012, front of mind.

Sheehan and Williams both showed the courage and determination that Burke was renowned for. 

On Day 13, Sheehan delivered another top-10 performance for Australia and Williams was 15th in qualifying after bravely bouncing back from a heavy fall during warm-up.Sheehan claimed the last spot in the 12-woman final with a score of 70.60 points from her ‘safety’ second run in qualifying. She held back on some difficulty after falling on her first run. 

In the final Sheehan went for the run that had won her bronze at the past two World Cups. She had promised after qualifying she would go bigger and harder and she did. But she came unstuck with the same switch 720 trick mid-pipe on both runs. 

Her final score of 40.60 points is not reflective of her ability on a good day. 

“Obviously I wanted to show you guys what I could do but I have no regrets I gave it my all and I know Sarah would be proud,” Sheehan said. “

And I’m super proud of all these girls for just showing the world what we can do.”The 27-year-old dedicated her performance to Burke.

American gold medal winner Maddie Brown also dedicated her performance to Burke. Brown’s second run score of 89.00 got the 20-year-old past Frenchwoman Marie Marinod (84.80). Japan’s Ayana Onozuka won the bronze with 83.20 points.

Williams didn’t have the Olympic competition she had dreamed of. Yet there was no better example of spirit and courage to complete the competition.

Williams suffered a heavy fall in training and she was still suffering during the competition. The Sydney skier cut her lip, was feeling unwell and then had to compete 15 minutes later. 

“There was a lot of blood everywhere I smashed my face and cut my lip,” Williams said. “I was feeling a bit out of it but I decided to give it a crack. I wasn’t going to do my second run but it was a bit of a last minute decision.”

In run 1 she came off the lip in her first big trick and skied to the bottom of the pipe. She was in the athlete’s tent with her coach and friend Ramone Cooper thinking her Games were over. But she found more strength, composed herself and headed back to the top of the pipe.

She almost missed her run and was not able to execute all her tricks but it was impressive regardless and for a while her 63.00 points had her in 12th spot before she dropped back to 15th. 

Williams took 10 months out of the sport after the death of Burke before being inspired by the Olympic Games. She qualified late for Sochi after a strong run of World Cup performances late in the season.   

Sheehan was not sure what her plans where now for her skiing but she has a busy schedule ahead.

“I have worked my butt off to get here so I believe I have a lot of skills that I can either keep competing or become a coach. I’ve been a coach in the past and would love to take another athlete under my wing and get them to the Olympics.”

Sheehan is also an illustrator and writer so she plans to share some of her experiences through her ‘Skier Amy’ children’s books. She is also getting married soon to her coach and fiancé Chris Boghakian.

Sheehan’s brother Lyndon representing New Zealand in the men’s event on Day 11 placed ninth. American 23-year-old David Wise won the Olympic Gold to add to his 2013 World Title. His score of 92.00 points edged out Canadian Mike Riddle (90.60) and Frenchman Kevin Rolland (88.60). The Halfpipe at Extreme Park provided the platform for some sensational performances.