Anderson earns first gold medal for Tahoe
Jamie Anderson, who rides for Sierra-at-Tahoe, claims gold Feb. 9 in slopestyle at the Olympics. Photo/Andy Wong/AP
By Alyssa Roenigk, ESPN
KRASNAYA POLYANA, Russia — Jamie Anderson of Meyers stood atop the podium and lifted her arms in triumph, her long and sometimes draining quest for Olympic glory finally complete.
Anderson gave the United States a gold-medal sweep in the first Olympic slopestyle snowboarding competition on Sunday, while Jenny Jones took bronze to win Britain’s first medal in any snow sport.
Anderson soared to victory in a near flawless run in the women’s final on Sunday, a day after Sage Kotsenburg captured the men’s gold medal. The 23-year-old did it, as is her fashion, when the moment absolutely required it.
Down to one last trip through the treacherous Rosa Khutor Extreme Park course, Anderson took a deep breath, enjoyed a brief moment of “Zen” and showcased the skills that have made her the greatest slopestyle snowboarder of her generation.
Karly Shorr of Truckee finished sixth.