NZ World Cup frustration for Aussie slopestyle athletes

The first Slopestyle World Cup for the season in Cardrona, New Zealand finished in frustration for OWIA skier Russ Henshaw and snowboarder Jess Rich.

Having overcome multiple serious injuries from past seasons, Henshaw was fit and ready to go until he arrived in New Zealand where he sustained a back strain, which impeded his qualification round, ending out of the finals and placing 34th overall. Other Australian’s results were Nic Stevens in 50th and Ryley Lucas in 59th place.

Henshaw has since returned to his home base in Jinadyne and says he is already well on the mend. 

"My back feels a lot better. I had two days skiing since being back from New Zealand and it feels a lot better than when I was there!" he said today. 

In the Ladies Snowboard Slopestyle competed this weekend, Jess Rich was unfortunately unable to start either of the two qualification runs. 16-year-old Junior World Champion Tess Coady placed ninth in her qualifying heat and did not make the final ten.

"Unfortunately I was injured during training due to course conditions," Rich said. "I will be off snow for a couple of weeks, but nothing too serious."

The Snowboard Halfpipe NZ World Cup qualification gets underway this Friday with finals on Saturday. Scheduled to compete are Emily Arthur, Holly Crawford, Kent Callister and Nate Johnstone.

Article courtesy OWIA