Year of the Wallisch
It is officially cliche now to say that this is Tom Wallisch’s year. He won X Games slope, then War of Rails, now the VISA U.S. Grand Prix, FIS World Cup and platinum AFP slopestyle even with a score of 96.40 .
Wallisch came from obscurity just a few years ago with a video shot by his buddies of 4bi9 for Level 1′s Super Unknown contest. From that moment, Wallisch has been a favorite among freeskiing’s online community and forums. Idolized for style, Wallisch has quietly transformed into one of the most technical riders known for his proficiency on rails.
Wallisch’s Grand Prix win through Mammoth’s Unbound showcases a solid and matured athlete. His style, air awareness and technical skill are virtually unmatched as he makes the first ever freeski event at the Visa U.S. Grand Prix look like any other day.
Said Wallsich, “I couldn’t have asked for a better day today, the course was smooth and the snow was soft, not to mention the park was sweet.”
This was Wallisch’s 5th podium and 4th first place win of the season.
Tom Wallisch catches big air on his way to winning the VISA U.S. Grand Prix, FIS World Cup and platinum AFP slopestyle event at Mammoth Mountain. (USSA)
Wallisch is poised to introduce freeskiing to the mass media and mainstream with the introduction of the sport in the next Winter Olympics.
“It was an awesome event and I am so happy that the U.S. Grand Prix is here to help us show the world what our sport is about,” Wallisch stated, “it sets a good precedence for the next events that we do leading up to Sochi in 2014. I can’t wait!
Alex Bellemare placed second and Joss Christiansen took third.
