Marie Martinod
Age: 29
Hometown: Aime, France
Given the tremendous rate at which halfpipe skiing is growing, it’s rare that a top contender in 2003 should also be a threat in 2013—but Martinod has accomplished just that. Between 2003-2005, she won two US Open titles, the FIS World Cup, the World Ski Invitational and European Open—all in halfpipe. In 2006 she earned herself a bronze medal at the X Games, among other accolades, but hung up her boots and disappeared from the scene to start a family and pursue other interests. Once freeskiing’s Olympic berth came about, and with a bit of inspiration drawn in the name of the late Sarah Burke, Martinod returned to competition and came back with a vengeance, taking gold at X Games Tignes in 2013 with her daughter Melirose looking on. This season, she earned podiums at the Grand Prix in Park City, and X Games Aspen, too. Following a reemergence like that, Martinod is certainly one to keep an eye on.
Comments are closed.