Jossi fucking killed it, and represented the sport the right way. Actually, all of these guys did.
I truly think that tonight's big-air was the best all around big-air, and maybe contest of any kind, put on in primetime in front of a national, casual audience.
The reason it was so special is because it showcased INDIVIDUALS. It showed the different personalities, and totally unique styles and approaches to skiing. Most of all....it looked like fucking FUN! In year's past, and in snowboarding currently, the athletes all looked alike, did/do the same exact tricks (Helgason and the other guy have a bit more flavor and creativity for sure) that look identical and visually monotonous. Tonight, we saw the most progressive and unique tricks that are currently being done. Think about the podium. I could be mistaken, but I am pretty sure that of the three medalists, NO ONE did the same trick. Not the same axis, not the same grabs, not the same degree of rotation, nothing. Just fucking wow.
No hate intended, but didn't Ambuhl and the Tribondeau (maybe Gus a bit?) feel a bit like dinosaurs? They were the stand-ins for the "athlete" more spin is better, I take this very seriously set that has dominated competitive skiing. There was just a stark contrast between how those guys approached the comp vs. how Vinnie, Jossi, Henrik, ABM, Kai, etc. did.
I have something to say to all of the people who have criticized Henrik and his appearance, his behavior, and those who have spouted all kinds of hatred and vitriol that this guy will represent skiing to the world and a casual audience.
We couldn't ASK for a better representative. The kid is the perfect representation for the sport, and here's why: He's fucking goofy, a little odd, and looking at him you can't quite immediately figure it out, he's in love with skiing and it's obvious to anyone and everyone, he's selfless and genuinely a fan and supporter of his fellow competitors, in HIS moment, he deflected the attention to a great friend who passed away, and he did unique, stylish, and improvised tricks that upon leaving the takeoff, not even he had any clue just how it would all turn out. I don't have any reservations about him being one of the "faces" of skiing. He is the best marketing tool there is because he makes it all look too damn fun.
The kid has co-opted a culture wildly different than the one he originated from, which is a bit eccentric, he has some sort of embarrassing set of mannerisms and gestures, but he ALWAYS has a huge, friendly smile on his face, and people referring to him as a thug are fucking blind and are seeing what they want to see.
Kudos, Henrik, I hope he wins slope tomorrow because I think he deserves it.
