Snowboarding young guns ripping it up at Copper Mountain

Images: Chelsee (left) | Valentino (right)

Young Aussies Chelsee Kelley and Valentino Guseli have captured the attention of many, each taking overall first place in their class at the USASA Snowboard Nationals at Copper Mountain over the weekend.

USASA Nationals have been hosted at Copper Mountain for 10 years. With disciplines including halfpipe, cross, slopestyle and alpine spanning across 12 days with 2,000 athletes and are a platform for children and young adults to progress competitively in an environment that’s encouraging and fun. Overall place winners are determined by points across five disciplines with both youngsters totally nailing it.

Eleven year old Valentino won first overall for 10-11 year old boys after winning the snowboard giant slalom, halfpipe and slopestyle, and placing sixth in both snowboard cross and slalom events.
While nine year old Chelsee won first overall for 8-9 year old Grom Girls after winning four from five events; the snowboard giant slalom, snowboard cross, slalom and slopestyle events.  She came fifth in the halfpipe.

“My week at the USASA Nationals was all time.” Chelsee said on Instagram. “I am pumped to be the Overall US champion for Grommet Girls. Thanks for all the good times Copper.”

Chelsee started snowboarding at the age of six, taking to the sport like a duck to water.  She’s also currently the Australian Snowboard Cross champion in her age group.

Keep an eye out for these guys in the future!

Alexandra Rouse
Ski & Snowboard Australia