From the snow world, for those interested
http://www.olympics.com.au/default.asp?pg=owia&spg=snowboard_display&articleid=4772
Torah Bright has continued the great form she demonstrated on the Torino 2006 Olympic site two weeks ago, winning the Nippon Open in Fukushima, Japan, at the weekend.
Bright displayed all her skills and style in the super pipe event to beat a world class field, including reigning Olympic champion Kelly Clark of the United States and Clark’s compatriot Hannah Teter, another major player on the world circuit.
The 18-year-old Australian showed her class by out-pointing 50 competitors to take the victory and $US20,000 in prize money, plus an all expenses paid trip to the US Open next month at Stratton Mountain, Vermont.
“It was great to get the win,” said Bright. “I came to Japan very determined to bring home the gold, so obviously I am really happy with the result. I just love competing in Japan and the Nippon Open is one of the most respected events on the snowboarding calendar.”
On the FIS World Cup circuit, Bright has secured a podium finish in six of her last seven world class competitions.
“I feel like I’m really starting to generate some momentum in terms of my results,” said the Cooma local. “I feel very confident that I am progressing well in the early phase of my Olympic preparations. I have a very heavy competition schedule this year, so there is ample opportunity to really hone my skills and perfect my tricks in the lead up to the Winter Games in Italy.”
Bright will return to her base in Salt Lake City today for a well-earned rest before beginning preparations for the World Super Pipe Championships (March 11-13) and US Open (March 14-20).
Torah Bright on the podium in Bardonecchia, Italy (Image: SPORTCOM/OWI)
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