Freeski Big Air goes to the Americans with Joss Christensen and Devin Logan taking gold
The eighth day of 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games saw the freeski athletes flying high in the Air New Zealand Big Air at Cardrona Alpine Resort with American’s Joss Christensen and Devin Logan taking the top spots.
Joss Christensen was the man of the day pulling off the first ever double misty 12 in competition and consistently landing his tricks.
At the finish line Christensen said he was surprised to have even made it through to the finals, “My adrenaline’s pumping. I’m stoked. I was feeling a bit beat up after the slopestyle so today’s win is a total surprise. I’m happy to have landed all my tricks. If I hadn’t Kai would have definitely been on top of the podium today.”
This is Joss’s first visit to New Zealand. “I’m stoked to be here and loving it so far. It’s great to be visiting the land of the Lord of the Rings.”
Hometown boy, Jossi Wells, will once again grace the podium after taking silver in both slopestyle and halfpipe, his fluidity and control earned him the third place finish.
Commenting earlier in the day about how fourth place was the worst place to end a competition he promised he would go big in the final round and he did. “It’s always a good day when you’re on the podium,” said Wells. “I’m a bit shattered, we’ve been skiing since 8:30 this morning. It was great to watch Kai; he’s insane. Also great to see my homey, Joss Christensen, from back in the day at Park City win. The Winter Games rules.”
An excited Logan commented, “I got the Turkey (as they would say in bowling). Now if only more women would come over and compete.” This was Logan’s first Winter Games and second visit to New Zealand having competed last year at the Junior World Championships where she podiumed in third place in slopestyle and halfpipe. “I’ll definitely be back.”
