Cassie Sharpe wins X Games bronze in Aspen Sharpe stands out despite thumb fracture
Freestyle Canada – Aspen, Colorado, January 25, 2018 – X Games are the ultimate gathering for freeski athletes. For this year’s coveted invitational event, the Canadian half-pipe skiers were Cassie Sharpe, Noah Bowman, Simon d’Artois and Mike Riddle.
Women were first down the pipe this evening in Aspen. After falling at the end of her first run and sustaining a broken thumb, Cassie Sharpe pulled it together for her third and last run in the pipe, finishing third and thus earning bronze, her second X Games medal. Tonight’s podium will remain special for the Comox, BC athlete, as it required some extra special mental effort. “I tried doing my most difficult run first; my last jump was a cork 10 and I broke my thumb again,” explained Sharpe whose finger was already in a splint. “For my second run, I was still a little shaken. But for the third run, I was back on track and managed to focus on what I needed to do.”
This is Sharpe’s fourth podium this season. The athlete – who is enjoying a fabulous season so far – already has her ticket confirmed for the Olympics, which will be her first.
Mike Riddle… so close yet again!
Everyone was hoping for a first X Games medal in 12 years for Mike Riddle. If it hadn’t been for Alex Ferreira’s last run, Riddle would have finally been on the podium. He finished fourth.
Today’s was the last event for half-pipe athletes before they make their way to South Korea for the Olympic Games. Here is their Olympic schedule:
February 19, 2018: Qualifications – Ladies
February 20, 2018: Final – Ladies
February 20, 2018: Qualifications – Men
February 22, 2018: Final – Men
Here are today’s half-pipe results:
Ladies: Cassie Sharpe, Comox, BC (3)
Men: Mike Riddle, Sherwood Park, AB (4), Noah Bowman, Calgary, AB (6), Simon d’Artois, Whistler, BC (7)
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