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Maddie Bowman Wins X Games Again

By U.S. Ski & Snowboard
January, 22 2015

ASPEN, CO (Jan. 21. 2015)—The first day of X Games 2015 is in the books, and the women’s superpipe gold medal is in familiar territory. In a field stocked full of eight world-class freeskiers from countries spanning the world, Maddie Bowman (S. Lake Tahoe, CA) stomped her first run through Buttermilk’s halfpipe to win another gold medal. Brita Sigourney (Carmel, CA) took third.

For the first time since the late Sarah Burke won back-to-back-to-back X Games gold medals in the halfpipe, Bowman won her third consecutive X Games gold medal on Wednesday night in Aspen. Considering Bowman also won Olympic gold in Sochi in the same event, it is fair to say that women’s halfpipe skiing has a true champion representing the sport.

“Tonight was awesome, and I can’t believe it happened,” said Bowman. “I grew up idolizing Sarah Burke, and the first time I met her was at X Games. Sarah is the reason we’re here. To win X Games three times in a row, like Sarah, is pretty special.”

Bowman’s winning run came on her first attempt of three through the halfpipe. Exhibiting technical tricks, large amplitude, and stylish grabs throughout her entire run, Bowman compiled a winning scored of 85.66. Bowman linked a right-side 900 with a left-side 540 and then later nailed a left-side 900 and right-side 720 in succession to show she can spin in both directions. The spinning combinations, switch takeoffs and landings, down-the-pipe airs, and unparalleled style proved to be a winning equation for Bowman, again.  

“The secret for winning is just having fun,” Bowman said at the bottom of the halfpipe, another gold around her neck. “When you’re having a great time with your friends is when you ski the best.”

Rounding out the podium behind Bowman were Japan’s Olympic bronze medalist Ayana Onozuka in second and Sigourney in third, respectively. Both women went into their third runs through the halfpipe with the ability to outscore Bowman, and both athletes put in solid attempts. In the end, however, Bowman’s score proved to be too much.

“To win a medal here is a great honor,” says Bowman. “Tonight was really special.”

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Tonight’s win is the third consecutive X Games superpipe gold medal for Bowman, making her the first to three-peat since the late Sarah Burke.
  • Bowman's winning score 85.66, while Onozuka had a score of 83.33 and Sigourney 78.66.
  • Sigourney wins her second X Games bronze medal in the halfpipe, and tonight was her third X Games superpipe podium. Sigourney won silver in 2011 and bronze in 2012.
  • Bowman’s winning run consisted of a right 900, a left-side mute, left-side tail, straight-air mute, left-cork nine, right 720, and a switch 720.
  • Angeli VanLaanen (Bellingham, WA) and Annalisa Drew (Andover, MA) also made the finals, taking fourth place and sixth place overall.

QUOTES
Maddie Bowman, X Games Superpipe Gold Medalist
I think all the girls skied amazing and we are going to continue to push the sport. Tonight was awesome. The X Games are the root of our sport, and considering how hard Sarah Burke worked to get halfpipe skiing to where it is today makes winning at X Games extra special.

Brita Sigourney, X Games Superpipe Bronze Medalist
I am really stoked to end up on the podium at X Games again. It’s been a few years and I have had a lot of injuries since the last time. So, I am really happy to be back at it and I hope the year keeps progressing from here.

Ben Verge, U.S. Freeskiing’s Halfpipe Coach
All the girls skied really well tonight. Maddie won for a third time in a row, which is awesome. Brita Sigourney got back on the podium, and the other two girls skied great too. Overall, it was a great contest for us.

RESULTS
Women's ski superpipe results