CYPRESS MOUNTAIN, Canada—Racing through bumps the size of a car roof to leap off “air bumps” that send them soaring through the air to do back flip helicopters, it’s a wonder more people don’t get hurt in the moguls competition.
But though there were no serious injuries at the men’s medal final on Sunday, tragedy did strike two thirds of the U.S. men’s team in the biggest race of their life, leaving Patrick Deneen and Nathan Roberts at the bottom of the board, their runs unscored after both went awry on their way down the hill.
But there was redemption as well when Bryon Wilson scored silver.
Speaking about their experience as they left the course, the team shared the loss and the gain.
“I knew I was in a really bad spot and wasn’t going to ski out of it,” said Patrick Deneen whose spectacular crash saw him attempt a massive backflip but miss the landing and tumble through one of the gates.
“I am happy I was able to get here, but I didn’t come to fall, I came here to win and it happens every once in a while but yeah, I’m a little bit bummed right now.”
Deneen said he has been doing this sport for quite a while but had been a bit inconsistent lately and that showed during his run. But despite the loss, he was already looking forward, picking up the pieces as one dream ended and another could begin.
“This isn’t my entire life right here. I really enjoy skiing and I really want to ski well in the World Cup. I had a bad day here, but it happens every once in a while.”
But though there were no serious injuries at the men’s medal final on Sunday, tragedy did strike two thirds of the U.S. men’s team in the biggest race of their life, leaving Patrick Deneen and Nathan Roberts at the bottom of the board, their runs unscored after both went awry on their way down the hill.
But there was redemption as well when Bryon Wilson scored silver.
Speaking about their experience as they left the course, the team shared the loss and the gain.
“I knew I was in a really bad spot and wasn’t going to ski out of it,” said Patrick Deneen whose spectacular crash saw him attempt a massive backflip but miss the landing and tumble through one of the gates.
“I am happy I was able to get here, but I didn’t come to fall, I came here to win and it happens every once in a while but yeah, I’m a little bit bummed right now.”
Deneen said he has been doing this sport for quite a while but had been a bit inconsistent lately and that showed during his run. But despite the loss, he was already looking forward, picking up the pieces as one dream ended and another could begin.
“This isn’t my entire life right here. I really enjoy skiing and I really want to ski well in the World Cup. I had a bad day here, but it happens every once in a while.”
