PARK CITY, UT (May 18, 2015) – Do you, or an athlete you know, have what it takes to be an elite aerialist? The U.S. Freestyle Ski Team is once again searching for the next generation of aerials skiing talent, seeking video auditions to earn a spot at the team’s Elite Aerial Development Program (EADP) and Fly Elite tryout camps. Athletes can submit their videos on the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team’s Facebook page or via Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #aerialscamp15.
The EADP program in Lake Placid, NY and Fly Freestyle Program in Park City, UT have converted retired acrobatic athletes from sports like gymnastics, trampoline, diving, tumbling, etc. (who may or may not ski) into Olympic athletes in the sport of aerials skiing. Two-time Olympian Ashley Caldwell, as well as 2015 World Cup Champions Kiley McKinnon and Mac Bohonnon, got their start in EADP before securing spots on the national team.
“The first time I went up to Lake Placid with my parents, we watched the EADP team train, and having the background that I did with gymnastics and skiing, I thought it would be a good fit,” said McKinnon. “Recruiting gymnasts is a great strategy that our team has right now. We’ve been finding a lot of gymnasts who we’ve been able to teach how to ski. Already having the aerial skills, knowing how to flip, how to twist, makes it that much easier to be come successful in this sport.”
Elle Gaudette, who was nominated to the national team this year, kicked off her aerials career by submitting an audition video in 2013. She participated in the EADP program for two years before winning a bronze medal at the 2015 FIS Junior World Championships in Valmalenco, Italy.
“When I stopped competing in gymnastics, I was level eight tumbling and level nine trampoline,” said Gaudette. “My gymnastics background has helped a ton with learning aerials. Having air awareness has helped me progress the most.”
The contest will run May 18 – May 31, 2015. Three athletes will be chosen based on coaches’ selection and fan voting, with spots available at tryout camps in Lake Placid, NY and Park City, UT. Athletes can submit their videos on the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team’s Facebook page or via Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #aerialscamp15.
For more information on U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials development, visit freestyle.usskiteam.com.
U.S. Freestyle Ski Team Aerials Tryout Camp Contest
When: May 18 – May 31, 2015
Who: Athletes with a background in skiing, gymnastics and other acrobatic sports
How: Athletes can submit their videos on the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team’s Facebook page or via Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #aerialscamp15
