Lindsey Jacobellis is a two-time world champion and two-time World Cup champion, but her hopes for gold were dashed at the 2006 Torino Games, when she attempted a impromptu last minute trick that resulted in a fall. The split-second decision, executed when she had a seemingly insurmountable three-second lead over Tanja Frieden of Switzerland, left her with a silver medal.
Her critics accused her of showboating when she executed the ‘method grab’, which is grabbing the board behind the front foot’s binding on the heel edge and turning the board 90 degrees while arching the back. The 21-year-old claimed she made the grab to maintain stability but later admitted that it was not necessary – see video below.
Jacobellis is one of the most decorated and successful women’s snowboarders currently active in the world today. She has been featured in several high profile ad campaigns, including a Visa commercial.
Women’s Snowboard Cross qualifying begins at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2010. The Vancouver Games medal round is slated to start at 12:15 p.m.
We are also keeping an eye on two U.S. Olympic hopefuls who recently posed in bikinis for Sports Illustrated. Hannah Teter will compete on Wednesday in Snowboard Halfpipe.
Alpine Skier Lindsey Vonn will compete in the full 5-race Alpine program at Whistler Creekside beginning on Wednesday.
View our Lindsey Jacobellis photo gallery and check out her commercial ad below.