Rahlves and David Top Skier X Finals at Winter X Games 12

Jan 27 2008 / Aspen, CO

Thirty-four-year-old Daron Rahlves, arguably the most accomplished speed skier in American history, began competing in the Skier X event last year.  In fact, his run in today's Skier X Men's Final marked only his second ESPN Winter X Games appearance – but he surged to the lead early in the final heat and never looked back.

"I just wanted it," Rahlves said afterwards.  "Wanted it really bad."

Rahvles, silver medalist Stanley Hayer, and bronze medalist (and Aspen local) Casey Puckett all finished within a second of each other.

Czech racer Tomas Kraus led early, but fell after Rahlves passed him and took the lead – a lead Rahlves would hold all the way to the finish line.

"My start was weak, but I capitalized on the few openings that I had," Rahlves said.  "Key thing was to just not think about the other guys, and ski my race.  Our heat was stacked, but you can't really think about the other guys.  You just gotta dig deep and put the hammer down."


France's Ophelie David withstood the high winds today at ESPN Winter X Games 12 during both the Women's Skier X Event.  In the Final, she jumped her way to the lead early and cruised to her second straight gold medal. 

Early in the race, David hit a jump and shot past the then-leader, Magdalena Johnson, who would take home bronze.  Norwegian racer Hedda Bernsten was right on David's heels throughout the race, but couldn't find an opening to pass.

Today marked David's sixth Winter X Games appearance, her third medal, and her second straight gold in Skier X.

"[Winning] last year was crazy, because I wasn't expecting it," David said.  "And this year I came back with all the pressure being so huge.  I didn't want to make any mistakes.  I really want to thank my team.  My skis were so fast!  The key today was our team spirit."

SKIER X MEN’S FINAL
Results from Aspen/Snowmass on Sunday, January 27, 2008

Name / Bib No. / Hometown / Score
Final:

1. Daron Rahlves / 807 / Truckee, Calif. / 86.058
2. Stanley Hayer /    844 / Kimberley, BC, Canada / 86.276
3. Casey Puckett / 846 / Aspen, Colo. / 86.618
4. Michael Schmid / 815 / Frutigen, Switzerland / 87.077
5. Errol Kerr / 813 / Truckee, Calif. / 87.614
6. Tomas Kraus / 848 / Decin, Czech Republic / 98.628

Consolation:

1. Chris Del Bosco / 835 / Vail, Colo. / 85.936
2. Davey Barr / 811 / Whistler, BC, Canada / 86.398 /
3.    Audun Groenvold / 820    Hamar City, Norway / 88.113
4. Robin Lenel / 845 / Alpe D’Huez, France / 88.155 /
5. Luca Cattaneo / 827 / Temu, Italy / 88.735 /
6. Ted Piccard / 838 / Les Saisies, France / 88.943

SKIER X WOMEN’S FINAL
Results from Aspen/Snowmass on Sunday, January 27, 2008

Name / Bib No. / Hometown / Score
Final:

1. Ophelie David / 816 / Alpe D’Huez, France / 92.191
2. Hedda Bernsten / 800 / Oslo, Norway / 92.701
3.    Magdalena Jonsson / 817 / Nora, Sweden / 93.560
4. Nori Fukushima / 840 / Nagano, Japan / 94.003
5.    Sasa Faric / 832 / Radomlje, Slovakia / 94.359
6. Jenny Owens / 826 / Sydney, Australia / 138.069