There are four New Zealand free skiiers in action at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics this evening with Nico and Miguel Porteous, and Beau-James and Byron Wells competing in the halfpipe qualifying rounds.
Beau-James Wells competing at the Sochi Winter Olympics. Photo: Photosport
The young Porteous brothers are outside medal chances, though the Wells brothers have a genuine shot, especially Beau-James who is the 2014 and 2015 halfpipe Junior World Champion and finsihed sixth in the halfpipe at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.
BYRON WELLS
Byron Wells was selected for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games however the Wanaka freeskier was forced to withdraw from competition the day before his event due to a leg injury.
Learning to ski at the age of two and initially training as a ski racer, Byron soon found his true calling in the disciplines of freeski slopestyle and halfpipe.
On his return to competition post Sochi Byron posted strong results including wins at the Aspen Open halfpipe in 2015 and 2016, bronze at the Canadian Open halfpipe, bronze in slopestyle at the Rev Tour and bronze in halfpipe at the AFP World Tour finals.
BEAU-JAMES WELLS
New Zealand Freestyle skier Beau James Wells Photo: 2014 Ian MacNicol
Beau-James Wells began skiing when he was three years old and had his sights set on becoming a professional freeskier from a young age. He began competing on the international circuit at the age of 15 and a year later (2012) was selected to represent NZ at the inaugural Youth Olympic Winter Games where he placed fourth in halfpipe.
He became Junior World Champ in halfpipe in 2014, hung onto his title in 2015 and also added a silver medal in slopestyle. In 2014 Beau-James represented New Zealand at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games placing 6th in halfpipe and 21st in slopestyle.
Beau James finished 10th in a world-class field at the Winter Games New Zealand 2017. Last year he also placed 6th at the Copper Mountain World Cup in Colorado.
Career highlights: 2nd place Dew Tour halfpipe 2015; 2015 & 2014 Freeski Halfpipe Junior World Champion; 6th in halfpipe at 2014 Olympic Winter Games
MIGUEL PORTEOUS
Nico (L) and Miguel Porteous (R) (Christchurch) at the NZOC Olympic winter games selection announcement, Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. 24 October 2017 Photo: Photosport NZ
Miguel Porteous represented New Zealand in halfpipe and slopestyle at the 2014 and 2015 FIS Freeski Junior World Championships. In 2017 he received an invite to compete at X Games Aspen winning the silver medal on debut.
The Christchurch athlete began skiing at the age of three.
Miguel achieved a career best result at his first halfpipe World Cup in Copper Mountain, USA in 2016, finishing in 6th place.
Porteous says he spurred on by his younger brother Nico.
NICO PORTEOUS
Nico Porteous. Photo: Photosport
Nico Porteous began skiing at the age of four on a family holiday to France. With Mum, Dad and older brother Miguel already keen skiers, Nico was determined not to miss out.
By thirteen Porteous had joined his brother Miguel chasing back to back winters, training and competing in Breckenridge in the USA and Cardrona Alpine Resort in NZ, balancing his sports commitments with school work. As one of the youngest skiers on the circuit he earned the nickname 'Nipsy' but also the respect of the freeski elite.
In 2015-16 Porteous claimed wins in freeski halfpipe at the Copper Mountain Rev Tour and the Calgary NorAM, earning him the overall title in FIS Freeski Halfpipe NorAM for the season.
In 2016, at the age of fourteen, Nico became the first New Zealander and youngest person in the world to land a triple cork 1440.
-NZOC/RNZ
