Freeskiing World Champ Gus Kenworthy defending title

Media Release from NZSki
16 Aug 2013

Freeskiing World Champ Gus Kenworthy defending Parklife Invitational title

2013 Freeskiing World Champion Gus Kenworthy is back to defend his title for the third year running at tomorrow’s (Saturday August 17) 11th annual Parklife Invitational.

In Queenstown to compete in the Audi quattro Winter Games, Colorado-born Kenworthy, 21, is a multi-discipline competitor who this year has recorded 23 top five finishes in competitions around the world.

Kenworthy will be competing for the title of best Male Skier in the annual downtown winter rail jam event at Queenstown’s recreation ground.

He will come up against a ‘who’s who’ of skiers including legendary freestylers and brothers Beau James and Jackson Wells.  The highly-anticipated event will also pit top female freeskiers as well as male and female boarders from around the world against each other.

The Remarkables ski area manager Ross Lawrence said it was “a real coup” to get Kenworthy back.

“This guy’s the best in the world and has won the Parklife Invitational two years running, but the likes of the younger Wells brothers are also going to impress,” he said.

“Not only can we expect some amazing tricks, but some very stiff competition.

“For the anticipated 2,000-plus crowd, this is going to be an awesome show; three extreme disciplines and the world’s best athletes in one central location.”

The Rail Jam starts with a qualifying round where each competitor laps a snow-covered 32-stair handrail feature aiming to impress the judges enough to advance to the finals. Best male and female skiers and boarders will give their all in their final runs in a bid to take home a share of $5000 in cash prizes and branded gear.

In between heats, freestyle motocross champions Brenton Drager and Ryan Brown – some of the hottest FMX bikers in Australasia – will be wowing the crowds with thrills-packed FMX demos.

If the weather doesn’t come to the party there’s a ‘rain date’ for the following night.

Gates open 4.30pm and tickets are on sale from the Queenstown Snow Centre or at the gate on the night. The event runs from 5.30pm to 9.30pm and tickets are just $5. 

Sponsor support includes Red Bull, Skinny Mobile, Corona, Jim Beam, The Find, St Goliath and Rip Curl Clothing.

An after party will be held at The Find bar at 54 Shotover Street.

Gus Kenworthy on the podium at the 2012 Parklife Invitational. Photo Credit Dave Oakley

ENDS

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