Anderson 1, Henricksen 2, Gerard 3 at U.S. Open
U.S. Snowboard Pro Team member Jamie Anderson earned her eighth U.S. Open victory in Friday’s slopestyle finals, and dedicated her win to the late Jake Burton Carpenter.
“This feels really good,” said Jamie. “I can’t believe my first run held. This one feels like the best one yet for sure. I love snowboarding and I love this event. Big shout out to Jake [Burton Carpenter], I definitely rode for him and everything he has brought to the industry that we all get to enjoy.”
Jamie’s win serves as her fourth-consecutive contest victory, including X Games Aspen, the Land Rover U.S. Grand Prix and Dew Tour. Not to mention, she was named "Women’s Rider of The Year," at the SNOWBOARDER Awards while at Dew Tour.
Jamie’s winning run included a backside lipslide, boardslide 270 out, backside 540, switch backside 540, boardslide 450 out on cannon box, and a cab double cork 900. Jamie’s cab double cork 900 is the trick that kept her out of finals after two failed attempts in last year’s semi-final round, so it's only fitting that its what closed out her gold medal run at the open.
The contest was chock-full of progression from the women including double cork 1080 attempts and a double crippler from Austria’s Anna Gasser on the first transition feature.
“It’s inspiring as ever,” said Jamie, speaking to the level of riding by the whole field. “I think this is my 13th U.S. Open and holy smokes, the level of progression is unbelievable. I’m so happy to be here with all the youngsters. They are setting my heart on fire with what they are doing to the sport. I’m just happy to be out here, almost 30, and still charging. I'm feeling better than ever. I used to think 30 is old, but I'm still getting into my prime.”
Anna earned the silver, and Japan’s Miyabi Onitsuka took the bronze. U.S. Snowboard Pro Team member Hailey Langland finished fifth.
For the men, U.S. Rookie Team member and first-place qualifier Dusty Henricksen earned silver, and defending champion Red Gerard took the bronze. Although Dusty scored victories at the Youth Olympic Games and the Land Rover U.S Grand Prix this season, it’s clear a star was born at the 2020 U.S. Open.
“I was just trying to let it ride. This has literally been my dream since I started snowboarding. This has been the most life-changing season I have ever had and I can’t ask for more. I’m pretty hyped!”
Dusty had two very memorable tricks in his run including a switch noseslide pretzel 630 cork Melon on the cannon box dubbed the “Dust Roll” by Tom Monterosso, editor of SNOWBOARDER Magazine. In addition, he landed a backside quad cork 1800, which has never been landed before in elite-level slopestyle competition. Dusty tried it for the first time ever on run two.
“That was the first time I’ve ever tried that trick,” said Dusty after run two. “I figured what’s another flip. I’m pretty stunned I was able to put it to my feet.”
Although Dusty didn’t land it cleanly on his first try, he perfected it on his third run and second ever attempt. One of the most decorated competitive snowboarders in history, Canadian rider Mark McMorris, called the backside quad cork 1800 the scariest trick in snowboarding.
When asked how Dusty’s been able to keep his composure on the U.S. Open stage, his answer made it clear that his attitude towards competition is very much ahead of his time.
“It’s a pretty mellow vibe out here,” he said. “I’m just riding with the boys so how can you get too scared.”
Japan’s Yuki Kadono finished off the podium and took victory for the first time since his gold medal performance in 2015.
Competition continues at the 38th Annual Burton U.S. Open Saturday with men and women’s modified halfpipe competition. Head over to Vail, Colo. or tune in below to catch the action live.
REPLAY
Women’s snowboard slopestyle finals
Men’s snowboard slopestyle finals
RESULTS
Men’s and Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle
HOW TO WATCH
Broadcast Live on Red Bull TV and BurtonUSOpen.com
Subject to change
All times EST
Saturday, Feb. 29
1:00 p.m. - Women’s Halfpipe Finals - Vail, Colo
4:00 p.m. - Men’s Halfpipe Finals - Vail, Colo
Dusty Henricksen (left), Yuki Kadono (center), and Red Gerard (right) on the 2020 U.S. Open slopestyle podium at Vail, Colo. (Burton U.S. Open - Peter Cirilli)
U.S. Snowboard teammates Dusty Henricksen (left) and Red Gerard (right) after their podium performances at the 2020 U.S. Open slopestyle podium at Vail, Colo. (U.S. Ski & Snowboard - Kevin Westenbarger)
Dusty Henricksen on course at the 2020 U.S. Open slopestyle podium at Vail, Colo. (Burton U.S. Open - Peter Cirilli)
Jamie on course at the 2020 U.S. Open slopestyle podium at Vail, Colo. (Burton U.S. Open - Peter Cirilli)
Jamie Anderson and Hailey Langland at the 2020 U.S. Open slopestyle podium at Vail, Colo. (Burton U.S. Open - Peter Cirilli)
The crowd cheering on Hailey Langland at the 2020 U.S. Open slopestyle podium at Vail, Colo. (Burton U.S. Open - Peter Cirilli)
Hailey Langland on course at the 2020 U.S. Open slopestyle podium at Vail, Colo. (Burton U.S. Open - Peter Cirilli)
Red Gerard on course at the 2020 U.S. Open slopestyle podium at Vail, Colo. (Burton U.S. Open - Peter Cirilli)
