Kiwis on the podium at the Winter Games | New Zealand Olympic Team

24 August 2011

After the first eight days of the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games and two of New Zealands own have made it on to the podium. New Zealanders Jossi Wells and Rose Battersby both competed in the Big Air competition at Cardrona Alpine Resort and both finished with third place podium positions. Wells had previously earned himself two silvers earlier in the week winning both the slopestyle and halfpipe events. Jossis trick on the cannon box was unique and creative, said judge Victoria Beattie of his slopestyle performance. He ollied on from the side with a four fifty off and then he went into a switch right side ten eighty tail grab to a switch left double cork ten and then he also did a switch five forty onto the lily pad with a nose butter five forty off. The Freeski Slopestyle course at Snow Park NZ included an urban rail set with three rail options for the first platform followed by a jib jump platform with a pole jam, tractor tyres and a 45 foot jump, next a 55/45 jump, a 65/55 jump and then finally the Lily Pad at the bottom. Wells had also promised to do well in this last event claiming that fourth place was the worst way to end a competition and he delivered on that. Its always a good day when youre on the podium, he said. This was Battersbys first podium finish at an international event after just missing out on a podium finish earlier in the week at the free ski slopestyle event where she came in fourth. It was also her first big air competition which she was delighted to do so well in. Im so stoked to end in third place and to have landed my 7s and 3s, said Battersby. I wasnt aiming to win its just great to be here. Its awesome to have a competition of this level here in New Zealand and to get to compete against all the top level girls. New Zealand also had athletes competing in the snowboard and alpine ski racing events. Kereyn Smith the New Zealand Olympic Committee Secreaty General said "It is great that New Zealand athletes are exposed to high level international competition at the Winter Games, as it is wonderful stepping stone to the Winter Olympics."