Seth Wescott defends his snowboardcross gold
After a subpar qualifying run earlier Monday, American snowboarder Seth Wescott successfully defended his 2006 gold medal in snowboardcross. He's the United States' second gold medalist of these Olympics and their first to win back-to-back golds thus far.
Perhaps due to weather issues that limited practice time, Wescott struggled in his first run in Vancouver. After a 17th place run, Wescott won both of his next heats before finishing second to baggy pants aficionado Nate Holland in the semifinals.
With both Holland and Wescott in the final group of four, the United States team was guaranteed at least one medal in the event. Holland spun out early in the race, leaving Wescott as the United States' last hope for a gold.
Wescott was trailing heading in to the final turn of the race, with Canada's Mike Robertson so far ahead that a comeback seemed unfathomable. But then, in a stunning move, Wescott rocketed ahead around the turn by taking a tight inside line. He then held Robertson off throughout the final series of jumps. Robertson was hoping to become Canada's second gold medalist on its home turf.
Since being included as an Olympic sport in 2006, the American team has enjoyed tremendous success in both men's and women's snowboardcross. With Wescott's two wins it's only Lindsey Jacobellis' whoops grab that has prevented the United States from taking home gold in each event. Jacobellis will have her chance at redemption Tuesday.
Until then the U.S. snowboard team can delight in knowing their baggier pants aren't slowing them down at all.
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