Hunter with Olympic Coach, Justin Reiter
April 7, 2017 – West Bend, WI – I could not ask for a better way to end my last competition at Copper Mountain for Nationals. I not only made it to the finals (top 8) on Thursday in Slalom, but made it to the final 4 race-off where we competed for a chance to podium. It was a very exhausting day and had to dig deep for the energy to power through all 8 races one after another.
In my final race competing for 3rd or 4th place, I got beat by .03 of a second. It was an intense race but very rewarding to get this far.
I had Justin Reiter, an Olympian snowboarder on the US Snowboard Team, as my coach this week. He taught me a lot, most important, to remain humble.
I did get out-raced by three hard-boot racers, but they were shocked at how I could keep up with them. The kid that beat me from California was super cool and really complimented me on how well I raced.
His parents even came over and hugged my parents. It helped me to put into perspective I raced my race, did my best, and that’s what matters.
I walked away 4th in the Nation for Slalom and 5th for Giant Slalom.
I want to thank all of you for the support this past week.
Thank you to all my coaches, my school, my series, but most important my parents who made this experience possible. After these two weeks, I am ready to close this season and head home.
Until next year, Hunter Zaskowski (West Bend East High School Junior)
Below Hunter Zaskowski’s final race – red gate.
