TWST athletes and coaches pose at the start of the event, from left, Head Coach Andrea Krejci, Neve Rebholtz, Kiana Swim, Ian McLean, Grey Elsasser, Dusty Elsasser, Stolle Wannamaker, Ava Wannamaker and Coach Joe Colonius. Courtesy/Ted Elsasser

Kiana Swim earned a third place sporting some serious bling on the yeti podium during her debut performance at IFSA Jr National event. Courtesy/Andrea Krejci

By PAULA KNEPPER
TWST

Seven Taos Winter Sports Team (TWST) athletes in the 12-14 (U15) and 15-18 (U19) age categories competed Feb. 6-9 at the International Freeskier and Snowboarders Association (IFSA) National Tour at Copper Mountain.

Nearly 200 athletes competed Feb. 6-8 in the qualifying events. Conditions for the qualifying events were variable with fresh snow and flat light. Stolle Wannamaker, Kiana Swim, Ian McLean, Dusty Elsasser and Grey Elsasser made the cut securing the coveted starting spots for the final round of competition.

TWST Freeride Team Coach Andrea Krejci said, “Copper was our first National Tour event of the season. This is where the top athletes from the US and Canada meet up to compete against each other.”

Athletes were greeted with fresh snow and a fresh venue for finals Feb. 9. Kiana Swim earned a third-place finish in her debut national competition. Ian McLean earned a 7th place finish followed by teammate Grey Elsasser in 13th place.

“Having 5 of our 7 athletes qualify for finals is looking good for the rest of the season. Kiana Swim finishing 3rd in her first National comp ever, Ian McLean in 7th, and Grey Elsasser in 13th demonstrates that our athletes are ready to compete on the national level,” Coach Krejci said. “Even though Stolle Wannamaker and Dusty Elsasser fell, their skiing and line choice showed that they are stepping into the ‘big boy and big girl group’. Yet again, I am so proud of each athlete for what they did in Copper. Whether it was the results, or just what they did at this comp.”