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Olympic Dreams Dashed for Snowboarder Jamie Anderson, While Veterans Prepare for Italy
Jamie Anderson, a three-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist in snowboard slopestyle, will not be heading to the upcoming Olympic Games. Her omission from the U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s 97-person roster, released Thursday, marks the end of her comeback bid following the births of her two daughters.
The highly anticipated roster, which features Olympic veterans Lindsey Vonn, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Chloe Kim, highlights the incredible depth of talent within U.S. winter sports. Rick Bower, snowboard program director, emphasized the competitive nature of team selection, stating, “In many ways, making this team is even harder than the Olympics themselves. The depth of our field is incredible, and selection truly came down to the wire.”
Anderson, 35, had shown glimpses of her former prowess during her return to the sport, including a sixth-place finish in a World Cup Big Air contest and earning Best Trick honors at the Rockstar Energy Open. Reflecting on her journey, Anderson previously told ESPN, “To have the opportunity to try and represent the U.S. at a fourth Olympics with my family alongside me, that’s a win.”
However, her comeback was also marred by setbacks, including a broken wrist and a concussion. The U.S. ultimately secured only three of the maximum four quota spots in women’s slopestyle, with Lily Dhawornvej, Hahna Norman, and Jess Perlmutter-all first-time Olympians-set to represent the country in Italy.
Meanwhile, a strong contingent of seasoned athletes and rising stars will represent the U.S. The men’s snowboard team will be led by three-time Olympian and 2018 slopestyle gold medalist Red Gerard, alongside 44-year-old snowboard cross racer Nick Baumgartner and 17-year-old halfpipe medal threat Alessandro Barbieri.
In freeski, four-time Olympian Nick Goepper, who transitioned to halfpipe skiing after his third medal in Beijing, spearheads a team with podium potential, including two-time Olympic medalist Alex Ferreira, Hunter Hess, and Birk Irving. Defending Olympic freeski slopestyle champion Alex Hall will also return for his third Games. Goepper anticipates a challenging competition, noting, “Sports at the highest level is really freaking hard, and being ready for that is what it’s going to take to win in Italy.”
Cross-country skiing will see Olympic champion Jessie Diggins compete in her fourth and final Games, while Chris Lillis returns for the aerials team.
U.S. skiers and snowboarders made a significant impact at the Beijing Games, securing 15 of the nation’s 25 medals. This year, they are expected to comprise nearly half of the entire U.S. contingent heading to Milan Cortina.
Among the returning veterans, Lindsey Vonn, 41, has staged an improbable comeback after a partial knee replacement, winning two World Cup downhill races this season and positioning herself as a favorite in speed events. Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated Alpine skier of all time, will seek to rebound after a challenging performance four years ago. Chloe Kim, a three-time Olympian, will aim to make history by becoming the first snowboarder to win three consecutive gold medals.