Whistler, BC – A history-making performance by Canada Snowboard’s Max Parrot highlighted a series of podium performances by Canadian athletes at X Games Aspen 2017.
Max Parrot golden at Aspen
After capturing gold in last year’s X Games Aspen Big Air, Parrot made history at X Games Aspen 2017 by landing the world’s first Quad Underflip in competition. The Men’s Big Air Final was the first of two double podiums for Canada Snowboard on the weekend as Mark McMorris took home X Games Bronze in the same event.
For the second double podium, Tyler Nicholson took home his first ever X Games medal with a silver in Sunday’s Men’s Slopestyle Final in his second ever X Games Aspen appearance, while McMorris followed up his impressive Big Air performance with his second bronze of the weekend. Sebastien Tuton and Mikey Ciccarelli also competed in the Men’s Slopestyle Final, finishing ninth and 10th respectively.
All five snowboarders have received support through the new partnership between Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (CSI Pacific) and Canada Snowboard. CSI Pacific provides the Sport Science & Medicine Lead for Canada Snowboard’s targeted high performance programs. CSI Pacific Strength & Conditioning Coach John Abreu also works closely with high performance snowboarders at the institute’s Whistler campus.
The Canadian halfpipe contingent laid it all on the line on Friday night during the X Games Aspen Superpipe Finals. Noah Bowman came out firing and set the tone for the Canadian squad. With a strong first run, he clinched third place in the Men’s Superpipe Final. Teammate and 2015 X Games gold medal winner Simon d’Artois finished ninth.
Cassie Sharpe finished seventh, and was the lone Canadian in the women’s final.
CSI Pacific works closely with Freestyle Canada and their athletes at the Whistler Athletes’ Centre. Sean Nugent and Tai Tran deliver Strength and Conditioning coaching for Freestyle Canada athletes using services at Whistler. Services are also provided by CSI Pacific’s Samantha Ebata (Biomechanics), Wendy Pethick (Physiology), and Lauren McBride (Mental Performance; Contractor).
With Files from Canada Snowboard and Free Style Canada.