Freeskier Jossi Wells Wins Nippon Open Big Air (01-Mar-09)

Niigata, Japan, March 1, 2009 - New Zealand's position at the forefront of freeskiing was again confirmed

NIIGATA, Japan (March 2, 2009) – New Zealand’s position at the forefront of freeskiing was again confirmed this weekend following a gold medal in Big Air at the Nippon Freeskiing Open by Wanaka freeskier, Jossi Wells.

The Big Air event which replaced the planned Slopestyle event included a jump to Quarterpipe Big Air. Wells, 18, led through the semi finals to triumph, receiving 97.7 out of a possible 100 points. French freeskiers Fosse Per Christian and Guillaume Sbrava placed second and third respectively.

“This couldn’t get any better for me.” said Wells. “I skied my best and ended up coming away with a win.”

Wells, who only last week took home bronze in the last stop at the Winter Dew tour, dominated the Big Air event with a progressive run including a switch double 1080 mute to a 900 tail grab.

Wells’ younger brother and teammate Byron Wells, 16, placed 10th in the Halfpipe, while Jossi opted out due to injury. Teammate Amy Sheehan, 21, also from Wanaka placed ninth in the Women’s Big Air.

The next event for the athletes is the Freestyle World Championships in Inawashiro, Japan starting March 6.

The Wells’ Brothers are both members of the Freeski Association of New Zealand (FSANZ) National Freeski Team and are endorsed by the New Zealand Winter Performance Programme, while Sheehan is a member of the FSANZ National Development Squad.

Snow Sports New Zealand (SSNZ) is the official governing body and National sports organisation representing all snow sports in New Zealand. The Freeski Association of New Zealand is a member of SSNZ.