IOC approves Slopestyle for Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games
After months of suspense, the inclusion of Ski and Snowboarding Slopestyle to the Winter Olympics 2014 has been approved by the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Executive Board. The Board announced the decision at a press conference in Durban, South
Africa, on Monday, July 4th.
Ever since the inclusion of ski half-pipe in the Winter Olympics roster of event, the skiing and snowboarding community were anxiously expecting the same fate for the slopestyle as well. However, their wait was extended due to IOC’s various concerns regarding
the logistics in Sochi and was conducting feasibility studies before reaching a final decision.
The International Ski Federation, which is responsible for designing the freestyle skiing and snowboard venue in collaboration with the Sochi organisers and was advocating the case of Slopestyle’s inclusion in Winter Olympics 2014, had visited the site during
the last week of April to conduct their own inspection and analyse the logistics similar to those that were causing a delay in IOC’s decision.
While the FIS Snowboard Assistant Race Director, Robi Moresi, was assigned with the task of finding a location for the slopestyle course, the panel of experts were given the responsibility of determining whether the course could be built in time for the
2014 Games.
According to the FIS Freestyle Skiing Coordinator, Joseph Fitzgerald, the feasibility reports came out positive, raising the expectations for slopestyle to make a place in the upcoming Winter Olympics in Russia.
The findings were very much similar by the IOC experts who inspected the site at the end of May, convincing the Board to announce the decision in favour of skiing and snowboarding slopestyle.
According to the IOC President Jacques Rogge, “The reason why we waited for the inclusion of slopestyle, both ski and snowboard was the feasibility study that was underway in terms of logistics [in Sochi]. The feasibility was very good so there was no issue
in this respect.” He acknowledged the growing popularity of slopestyle and the talent pool in the sport.
Slopestyle athletes are ecstatic over IOC’s announcement. According to Chas Guldemond, a professional snowboarder from America, “"I am so stoked to hear that the IOC believes that slopestyle snowboarding is ready for the Olympics. This is so huge for our
sport. I also feel lucky that I will now be able to work toward qualifying for the Olympic Games and the chance to represent my country.”
The Winter X Games 15 Slopestyle gold medalist from Canada, Kaya Turski, shared her excitement over slopestyle’s inclusion in Winter Olympics and plans on doing her best for her country in Sochi, Russia.
With almost three years to go, the Canadian and other slopestyle athletes have ample time on their hands to brush up their skills and prepare for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
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