The USA continued to crush it last Saturday at the 100% Pure NZ Winter Games. Devin Logan of VT completed her third victory of the games while Joss Christensen took gold in the men’s comp.
The day started off with 20 men competing for 8 spots in two qualifying heats. Out of three runs per round the best 2 heats were chosen to select those who qualified.
In the men’s final round, Gus Kenworthy took an early lead with a double 14, but in the second heat Christensen won the whole thing with a double cork 1080 that got him 95 points.
In second place was 15 year old Kai Mahler, who through a switch double misty 14 and was awarded the best trick of the day, but lost gold by falling in the final round. In third place was New Zealands own Jossi Wells.
A very happy and surprised Christensen commented saying, “My adrenaline’s pumping. I’m stoked. I was feeling a bit beat up after the slopestyle so today’s win is a total surprise. I’m happy to have landed all my tricks. If I hadn’t Kai would have definitely been on top of the podium today. I’m stoked to be here and loving it so far. It’s great to be visiting the land of the Lord of the Rings.”
Devin Logan Dominated the Women’s division, winning all three ski events at the NZ Winter Games. Head Judge Rafael Regazzoni noted that, “Logan took the women’s field by 20 points. She’s been super consistent throughout the week, landing all her tricks and mixing it up with different tricks. Her best tricks today were her rodeo 5 and 7 tailgrab.”
Logan, very excited commented, “I got the Turkey (as they would say in bowling). Now if only more women would come over and compete. I’ll definitely be back.”
Behind Logan, America’s Jen Hudak came in second and New Zealand’s up and comer Rose Battersby came in third.
photo: Camilla Stoddart/Getty Images)