Louie just took 2nd place at the Copper stop of the US Grand Prix!!! After a heated battle of 100+ riders in Friday’s qualifiers Louie advanced to the finals with his hopes set on the top of the podium. While riding flawlessly throughout practice spectators and fellow competitors thought Louie would be the rider standing in first place by day’s end.

Louie threw down a solid first run barely slipping out on a FS 1260 on his last hit in the pipe. This first run positioned him in 3rd behind Shaun White in 1st and Zach Black in 2nd. With one run left Louie wanted to repeat his prior run ad stomp the 1260 with hopes of winning the 1st US Olympic qualifier as well as beat out friend and competitor Shaun.

In the end Louie knew that winning would be great but just snagging a spot on the podium and collecting points for the Olympics would be even better in the long run. So he played the safe route and in his final run only going for the FS 1080 on his last hit instead of the FS 1260. Louie stomped his second run and walked away with 2nd place. Shaun white took 1st and Zach Black took 3rd.

Congrats Louie!!!

With one podium under his belt Louie will be heading to Mammoth Mountain and Park City for the final stops of the US Grand Prix tour while trying to secure himself a spot on the US Olympic Team. Best of luck Louie!

Congrats from all of us at 686!!!